A number of right-wing social media users are getting flamed for defending President Donald Trump’s new, sweeping tariffs—by advocating against consumerism.
“You do NOT need the new iPad,” wrote one account on X. “You do NOT need the new Cell Phone. You do NOT need the new video game console. You WANT them.”
He added: “There is a big difference and if you look at the people whining about the tariffs I challenge you to ask them how their lives have been affected in any way.”
That post was quickly mocked by critics of the new tariffs, with many users joking that the new MAGA motto was becoming “you will own nothing and be happy.”
The phrase is a reference to a quote published by the World Economic Forum (WEF) in its predictions for 2030.
The phrase quickly became a rallying cry for right-wing critics of the WEF, which is frequently subject to conspiracy theories about the “global elite” installing a tyrannical new world order.
Now, “own nothing, be happy” is being spun on its head to mock MAGA defenders of tariffs.
“Karl Marx couldn’t have put it better himself,” wrote one.
“You do NOT need groceries,” joked another commenter. “You do NOT need reliable transportation. You do NOT need a growing 401k. You WANT them.”
That promotion of anti-consumerism comes at a time when spending is already down due to Americans’ uncertainty about their financial future amid tariffs and inflation.
“Nooo not my heckerin consoom products,” echoed another right-wing defender of tariffs.
“Degrowth is right-coded now,” remarked one critic.
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