One Person Is On A Crusade Against Right-Wing Influencers Who Preach 'Buy American'—While Selling Merch Made Overseas
One Person Is On A Crusade Against Right-Wing Influencers Who Preach 'Buy American'—While Selling Merch Made Overseas Photo Credit X.com

One Person Is On A Crusade Against Right-Wing Influencers Who Preach ‘Buy American’—While Selling Merch Made Overseas

Please share:
RSS1k
Follow by Email499
Facebook0
X (Twitter)199
LinkedIn388
Share
3471

Derek Guy, often referred to as “the menswear guy,” is a menswear writer and fashion critic with a simple question for some of the most vocal right-wing influencers: If you’re serious about supporting American workers, why is your merch made overseas?

Guy, known for his fashion commentary on X, has been publicly calling out prominent conservative voices like Tucker Carlson, Charlie Kirk, Tim Pool, Glenn Beck, Dinesh D’Souza, and Scott Adams for selling T-shirts and sweatshirts manufactured abroad—often using blanks linked to sweatshops or low-wage labor in Latin America or Asia.

“Turning Point’s t-shirts are $35, sweatshirts $65. Both made abroad,” Guy posted on Saturday.

“Hasan Piker’s t-shirts are $35, AOC’s sweatshirts are $58. Both made by unionized workers in the US. When will Turning Point’s customers demand accountability?”

He added that Turning Point made $39.2 million in 2020 and asked whether they could “sacrifice corporate profits for US workers.”

Making It Personal—And Professional

Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point, had just posted a video clip praising tariffs and criticizing globalization.

In response, Guy replied, “Charlie, I sent you and @kevin_smith45 a DM. Happy to help you switch all of your sourcing to US suppliers. Please get in touch!!”

The recurring offer—”I can help for a fee”—has become a signature part of Guy’s posts, part call-out, part business pitch.

He’s not just pointing fingers; he’s proposing a fix.

And he doesn’t shy away from reminding these influencers of the contradiction between their political rhetoric and their business practices.

READ ALSO: ‘I Feel Like A Sucker’—Jim Cramer Says He’s Long Opposed Free Trade For Hurting Workers—But Now Feels Duped. ‘This Is What They Came Up With?’

“Would You Be Interested in Switching?”

To Tucker Carlson, who has advocated for trade protectionism, Guy noted that his “We Saved America” shirts are printed on Gildan blanks, which are made overseas.

“Would you be interested in switching to US-made shirts? I can help for a fee,” he posted.

Dinesh D’Souza got a similar message. After tweeting about economic hollowing, Guy replied, “I noticed that your t-shirts and sweatshirts are printed on blanks produced in Latin America, including companies associated with sweatshops. Would you be interested in moving your supply chain to the US?”

He also called out Glenn Beck for using Bella + Canvas shirts made in Latin America and allegedly scrubbing that detail from his merch site. “Was wondering if I can come on [your show] to ask if you can move your manufacturing to the US,” Guy wrote.

Tim Pool got the most direct message yet: “Hi Tim! I noticed that you import clothes from sweatshops. Would you be interested in switching all of your suppliers to US companies that pay fair wages? I can help for a fee.”

Pushback and Policy

Guy has faced pushback from some users who say it’s unfair to criticize people for following what’s long been standard industry practice.

“Isn’t it a little disingenuous to call people out for playing the game by the old rules?” one user asked.

But Guy’s argument is simple: if you’re advocating for tariffs and criticizing globalization, you should also be willing to act on those values.

He clarified in one reply that for a product to legally be labeled “Made in USA,” the Federal Trade Commission requires that all major manufacturing steps—from growing the cotton to final sewing and printing—take place domestically.

“Lions Not Sheep was fined for violating this,” he added.

When someone asked if any of these influencers have actually taken him up on the offer, Guy joked, “I will tell you for $1,000.”

READ ALSO: ‘Soon, There Will Be Many, Many, Plants’—Trump Says Rebuilding U.S. Manufacturing Could Take Up To 2 Years

Reactions and Takeaways

The posts have sparked a mix of admiration and debate online. Some users thanked him for “owning the hypocrites,” while others questioned whether he should target Democrats too.

Guy responded, “Can you tell me who are the Democrats who support blanket protectionism? I will check their merch section.”

Whether or not any of these influencers switch to American-made merch, Guy has certainly started a conversation: If you’re going to talk the talk on economic patriotism, shouldn’t you also walk the walk—even if it costs more?

Please share:
RSS1k
Follow by Email499
Facebook0
X (Twitter)199
LinkedIn388
Share
3471