

Ross Levine – Trump's $150 Trillion Question
12 snips May 9, 2025
In this discussion, Ross Levine, a Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, critiques Trump's economic policies as alarmingly detrimental. He explores the complexities of tariffs and national debt, warning that alienating allies could strengthen China. Levine also questions whether Congress can effectively rein in Trump's approach to financial regulation and argues that the fallout from globalization is reshaping economic landscapes. Their insights highlight the urgent need for coherent policies amid rising market unpredictability.
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Trump Policies Threaten Growth
- Trump administration's policies risk reducing U.S. long-term economic growth from its historical 2% per year rate.
- Policy chaos increases market uncertainty, raising investment risk premiums and depressing stock prices.
Risk to Fed Independence
- The Trump administration threatens the independence of the Federal Reserve, aiming to control monetary policy and financial regulation.
- This could concentrate influence over $150 trillion in U.S. financial assets in the hands of one individual.
Power Through Financial Oversight
- Control over financial supervision allows a president to influence credit flows, stock prices, and corporate success indirectly.
- Even implicit control pressures financial institutions to align with presidential preferences, affecting markets and competitors.