‘Shark Tank’ star insists AOC is a capitalist at heart: ‘The best marketeer in politics’

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez would “destroy America” as president – but is a first-rate entrepreneur – says Canadian businessman and star of ABC’s “Shark Tank” Kevin O’Leary.

O’Leary’s comments came over the weekend during the White House Correspondents’ Association annual dinner in response to questions about a new campaign-style video the far-left progressive lawmaker put out amid speculation she is considering a run for president.

“I think she’s the best marketeer in politics. I buy her T-shirts, I gift them the tax the rich T-shirts – I love them. She makes 82% in margin on them, which, I think, shows you that inside of every socialist, there’s a capitalist trying to get out,” O’Leary said. “Now, would she destroy America? Absolutely. There’s no chance she’ll ever be president. I don’t agree with anything she says, but I love her social media. She’s a crazy chicken.” 

AOC POSITIONING HERSELF TO BE ‘LEADING VOICE’ OF DEMOCRATIC PARTY

Businessman Kevin O’Leary, well-known for his appearances on ABC’s “Shark Tank,” shares his take on Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s potential presidential ambitions. (GETTY IMAGES/FOX NEWS)

“Her district is a wasteland,” O’Leary added. “Why would anybody want her running anything? But I love what she does on T-shirts, so maybe she should start a T-shirt company.”

The “Shark Tank” star’s comments came as Ocasio-Cortez has been criss-crossing the country over the last several weeks, participating in a “Fight Oligarchy” tour alongside Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., in protest of President Donald Trump and his policies. The events have drawn large crowds and speculation over whether Ocasio-Cortez is testing the waters for a potential presidential run. 

Meanwhile, last week, Ocasio-Cortez posted a new campaign-style video to her social media accounts, invigorating that speculation even further.

‘WE ARE ONE’: CAMPAIGN SPECULATION GROWS AROUND AOC’S VIDEO  

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) speak to a full auditorium as part of the “Fighting Oligarchy” tour on April 14, 2025 in Nampa, Idaho. According to event organizers, 12,500 people attended the rally. (Photo by Natalie Behring/Getty Images)

Prominent pollster Nate Silver suggested earlier this month that Ocasio-Cortez is currently the leading Democrat to pick up the party’s presidential nomination in 2028, selecting her as his top choice in a 2028 election exercise with FiveThirtyEight’s Galen Druke. 

“I think there’s a lot of points in her favor at this very moment,” Druke said, adding, “Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has broad appeal across the Democratic Party.”

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Fox News Digital’s Deirdre Heavey and Paul Steinhauser contributed to this report.