The Tariff Debate: History and Implications

Three things in life are certain: death, taxes, and Donald Trump’s love of tariffs. Jonah has braved the no-man’s land that separates conservatives and libertarians to enlist Scott Lincicome, Vice President of the Cato Institute, to discuss his newest report and provide a crash course on tariffs, inflation, and free market principles. Scott makes the case that comparison between 19th century tariff policy and the contemporary global market is a fool’s errand, predicts the best case scenario of what could be achieved if Trump implements his economic plan, and calls out the hypocrisy of the Republicans bullish on tariffs. Plus: a rare moment of Goldbergian sympathy for Rand Paul, the consequences of modifying supply chains, and the stagnating disconnect between economists and politicians. Jonah antagonizes free trade hardliners, Scott is a good sport, and Newt Gingrich is beclowned; it’s all in a day’s work at The Remnant.

Show Notes:

—CATO report on tariffs

—Phil Magnus debunks tariff myths

The Remnant is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including Jonah’s G-File newsletter, weekly livestreams, and other members-only content—click here.

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