MAGA Is Wrong About AI. Trump Is Right.
The Reason Roundtable
Journey to Libertarianism: A Personal Exploration
This chapter explores a speaker's evolution toward identifying as a libertarian, influenced by significant literature and experiences. They reflect on key moments, both personal and philosophical, that shaped their views on individual rights and authority. The conversation also addresses contemporary political debates around gender identity, free speech, and the implications of policies targeting marginalized groups.
This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch dig into Sen. Josh Hawley's (R–Mo.) speech at the National Conservatism Conference, where he denounced artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies as threats to liberty. They debate why MAGA populists are embracing anti-tech rhetoric, how this mirrors parts of the labor left, and what it means for President Donald Trump's simultaneous push for AI investment and closer ties with Silicon Valley.
Our editors also break down the latest jobs report, analyzing labor force participation, manufacturing losses, and whether tariffs and immigration limits are holding back growth. They then turn to New College of Florida's talk of privatization following its clash with Gov. Ron DeSantis, and what that would mean for university governance. A listener question prompts each editor to explain how they came to identify as libertarian and why the label matters to their work. Finally, the panel examines the Justice Department's move to ban transgender Americans from gun ownership.
How can we make The Reason Roundtable better? Take our listener survey and get a chance to win $300: http://reason.com/podsurvey
0:00—Does AI threaten liberty?
11:53—AI social anxieties
20:01—Abundance agenda embraces AI
23:40—Trump jobs report raises alarms
32:37—New College of Florida talks privatization
44:31—Listener question on becoming libertarian
52:15—Gun ban for transgender Americans
1:04:33—Weekly cultural recommendations
Mentioned in This Podcast
"Josh Hawley's Anti–Driverless Cars Policy Would Kill a Lot of People," by Jennifer Huddleston
"Google's Industry Dominance Isn't Unprecedented—and It Isn't Forever," by James Czerniawski
"MAGA Economics Is Losing," by Eric Boehm
"A Bad Jobs Report," by Liz Wolfe
"American Manufacturing Needs Relief From Trump's Tariffs," by Eric Boehm
"Major Gun-Rights Groups Oppose the Trump Administration's Idea To Ban Trans People From Owning Guns," by C.J. Ciaramella
"The Proposed Ban on Gun Possession by Transgender People Would Be Neither Legal Nor Constitutional," by Jacob Sullum
"Graham Linehan's Speech Must Be Defended," by Robby Soave
Upcoming Reason Events
Why Europe Can't Get Rich, September 10
The Soho Forum Debate: Melanie Thompson vs. Kaytlin Bailey, September 15
Reason Versus—Mass Immigration Is Good for America, October 2
Today's Sponsors:
- You believe in limited government and support organizations that champion the ideals of a free society. But have you ensured that your charitable giving will leave a lasting legacy of liberty? Without a plan in place, your charitable legacy could fade—or worse, be redirected to causes that don't align with your values. At DonorsTrust, they help you secure your philanthropic vision for the long term. With a donor-advised fund, you can ensure that the groups you care about continue to receive support, even beyond your lifetime. And unlike other donor-advised funds, DonorsTrust respects your libertarian principles and ensures your charitable capital remains committed to advancing individual liberty. Your giving should reflect your values—not just today, but for years to come. Your Vision. Your Values. Your Impact. Go to http://DonorsTrust.org/Reason to ensure your philanthropy continues to champion liberty for generations to come.
- Brooklyn Bedding handcrafts every mattress in their Arizona factory, cutting out the middleman to deliver top-tier quality, honest pricing, and true American craftsmanship. With options for every body, every sleep style, and even hard-to-find sizes, you can find your perfect match in under two minutes with the Brooklyn Bedding Sleep Quiz. Hot sleeper? Their GlacioTex
covers and CopperFlex foam help keep you cool all night. They are endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association for spinal alignment and back health, and they are 100 percent fiberglass-free for added peace of mind. Every mattress comes with a 120-night comfort trial, giving you the freedom to keep it if you love it or exchange it if you don't. Go to http://brooklynbedding.com and use promo code REASON at checkout for 30 percent off sitewide!
- Producer: Paul Alexander
- Video Editor: Ian Keyser
The post MAGA Is Wrong About AI. Trump Is Right. appeared first on Reason.com.
The AI-powered Podcast Player
