The NPR Politics Podcast Is The U.S. Economy Beginning To Show The Effects Of Trump's Policies?
75 snips
Aug 25, 2025 
In this discussion, Scott Horsley, NPR's chief economics correspondent, delves into the $30 billion monthly tariffs and their impact on consumer prices. He highlights the rising inflation tied to these tariffs and breaks down the divided public opinion surrounding them. The conversation also touches on how the Trump administration's economic strategies intersect with market trends and job reports. Finally, the podcast explores who benefits from these tariff policies, including domestic businesses, while considering the broader effects on labor markets.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Tariffs Are Creeping Into Consumer Prices
- Tariffs are starting to show up in U.S. prices, especially for imported goods like toys and furniture.
- Importers still absorb costs now, but higher tariff rates in August will push more costs to consumers in coming months.
Tariffs Generate Big Monthly Revenue
- The federal government is collecting roughly $30 billion a month in tariffs, paid mostly by U.S. importers and consumers.
- Recent tariff hikes (e.g., 15% on EU, 20% on Vietnam, 50% on Brazil) will raise prices further soon.
Lower-Income Shoppers Are Tightening Budgets
- Consumer spending is growing more slowly than last year and lower-income households are cutting back more than higher-income ones.
- Tariffs disproportionately hit lower-income people because they spend more of their budgets on taxed goods.