Whoopi Goldberg, co-host of The View, recently took aim at former President Donald Trump’s tariff policies, delivering a strong and pointed critique of their potential economic impact. In a passionate segment on the popular daytime talk show, Goldberg warned that Trump’s proposed tariffs would hurt American businesses and families, rather than providing the economic protection they promised.
Goldberg’s message resonated with many viewers as she drew attention to the far-reaching consequences of the tariffs, not just on big businesses, but on the everyday American consumer. Let’s break down Goldberg’s criticisms, the potential fallout from these policies, and how it could affect both global relations and the U.S. economy.
Goldberg Calls Out Trump’s Tariffs for Hurting Americans
During a heated segment on The View, Goldberg was direct in addressing the broader implications of Trump’s tariffs. Her comments targeted the economic ripple effect tariffs could have on U.S. citizens.
“All you countries who watch us, this is not our wish. This is not what the American people want. We don’t like it. We don’t like how this is being done,” Goldberg said, emphasizing that Trump’s policies don’t represent the wishes of the general American populace.
She urged international viewers to understand that the tariffs are not a reflection of the majority’s opinion in the U.S.
Her remarks came as part of a broader conversation on international trade, which has seen a rise in tariffs under the Trump administration. These tariffs were intended to protect U.S. industries by making imported goods more expensive, but critics have long argued that they could raise prices for consumers, destabilize the global economy, and create economic hardship for American workers.
Rising Costs and Economic Strain for American Families
Goldberg raised particular concerns about how the tariffs would affect American families, especially those in lower-income brackets. She pointed out that the tariffs would increase the cost of everyday products, from food to clothing to household goods. According to a report from Decider, tariffs on foreign imports could cost the American public as much as $714 billion in additional expenses.
“This could raise clothing prices by 70%, increase the cost of household goods, and slash low-income families’ annual budgets by nearly $1,000,” Goldberg said. With inflation already straining many households, such price hikes could make it even harder for families to make ends meet.
Goldberg’s critique was not just theoretical. She pointed out that she herself would be directly impacted by the proposed tariffs. As the owner of Whoopi Prosecco, a wine brand that sources its products from Italy, Goldberg highlighted that Trump’s tariffs would raise the cost of importing Italian goods—making her business less competitive in the U.S. market.
Personal Impact: How Tariffs Could Affect Goldberg’s Business
In addition to discussing the general economic implications of the tariffs, Goldberg also shared her personal concerns about how they would hurt her wine business. “As a business owner, I’m particularly concerned about how this affects small businesses,” she said. “If you raise the price of Italian wines by 20%, people are going to stop buying them. Small businesses, like mine, are going to suffer the most.”
She wasn’t the only one sounding alarms about the tariffs’ impact on small business. Industry groups, including the U.S. Wine Trade Alliance, have expressed similar concerns. Many worry that the tariffs will raise prices for consumers, reduce demand, and make it harder for small businesses to compete with larger companies that can absorb the increased costs.
In Goldberg’s case, the 20% tariff on Italian goods, including wine, is particularly concerning because Italy is a major supplier of high-quality wine to the U.S. This will drive up prices for American consumers who already pay premium prices for imported wines.

Goldberg Compares Trump’s Leadership to Workplace Behavior
Goldberg didn’t stop at criticizing the tariffs themselves; she also took aim at Trump’s overall leadership style. In a candid comparison, she likened the former president’s behavior to someone who would be quickly fired in a regular workplace.
“If I treated this job the way he treats the presidency, I’d be out of work,” Goldberg said. Her comment struck a chord with The View audience, many of whom shared similar frustrations with Trump’s approach to leadership.
Goldberg’s critique echoed broader concerns that Trump’s leadership style, including his tariff policies, is more about political positioning than effective governance. Critics argue that instead of fostering productive relationships with other nations and negotiating better trade deals, Trump’s tactics have often led to increased tensions and a more hostile international environment.
Political Reactions and Growing Concerns
Goldberg’s criticism reflects broader concerns that Trump’s tariffs could destabilize the U.S. economy and global trade relations. While some supporters argue that tariffs are necessary to protect American jobs and reduce dependence on foreign manufacturing, opponents warn that they hurt American consumers more than they help domestic industries.
Political reactions to the tariffs have been mixed. Some conservatives see the tariffs as a way to enforce protectionist policies and bolster U.S. manufacturing. Others, particularly in industries that rely on imports, argue that the tariffs only hurt the American people by raising the costs of goods and services.
Democrats, including those in the Biden administration, have repeatedly criticized the use of tariffs and emphasized the importance of working with international partners on trade agreements.
Conclusion: The Far-Reaching Impact of Trump’s Tariffs
Whoopi Goldberg’s impassioned message about Trump’s tariffs resonates beyond the political arena. Her remarks underscore the real-world consequences of tariff policies, particularly for small businesses and American families who may end up footing the bill.
While tariffs may be intended to protect certain industries, they also come with significant economic costs that could hurt the very people they were supposed to help.
As the debate around trade policies continues, it’s clear that the impact of tariffs extends beyond political rhetoric. For small business owners, consumers, and everyday Americans, the stakes are high—and Goldberg’s fiery message has reminded everyone just how far-reaching the effects of these policies can be.
For more information on Goldberg’s commentary and the effects of Trump’s tariffs on her business, you can read this detailed report from Decider.
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