The David Frum Show A Jet, a Lie, a Tariff: The Trump Grift Machine
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May 14, 2025 Shashi Tharoor, a prominent Indian Member of Parliament and advocate for secular politics, joins the discussion on recent geopolitical tensions. They dive into Trump's 'week of the four scams,' examining accusations of misinformation surrounding trade deals and a jet from Qatar. Tharoor sheds light on the delicate India-Pakistan ceasefire and critiques the Trump administration's role in peace efforts. The conversation also touches on the ethical dilemmas posed by foreign influences in U.S. politics, particularly regarding the impact of rising nationalism in India.
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Trump's Core Skill: Deception
- Donald Trump's core skill is deceiving gullible victims, not genuine deal-making with powerful partners.
- Recently, he falsely took credit for various events and deals, constituting what David Frum calls the "week of the four scams."
Tariffs Shift Burden Downwards
- Tariffs act as taxes on goods, disproportionately impacting poorer consumers who spend more on goods.
- Wealthier individuals pay less tariff as they consume more untaxed services, shifting tax burden unfairly downwards.
Jet Gift: Historic Corruption
- Trump's acceptance of a personal jet gift from Qatar is unprecedented corruption in American presidential history.
- This blatant act violates norms and signals deeper integrity issues within his administration.