Robinson's Podcast 258 - Richard Wolff: Donald Trump’s Tariff War Dissected
13 snips
Aug 31, 2025 
Richard Wolff, Professor Emeritus of Economics and a Marxist scholar, joins the discussion on Trump's tariff plans. He dissects the real issues America faces, including its rising debt and employment crises. The conversation touches on the geopolitical implications of tariffs, particularly with China and the BRICS nations. Wolff critiques the myths surrounding tariffs and examines the impacts on U.S. businesses and political representation. They also explore the complex dynamics of economic policy, healthcare, and the role of political influence.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Tariffs As Political Theater
- Tariffs are as much political theater as economic policy and appeal to a reactionary nostalgia.
- They work to mobilize a significant voter base while signaling strength to supporters and donors.
Tariffs Won't Fix The Debt
- The US faces structural fiscal gaps because it no longer generates enough domestic wealth to fund government spending.
- Tariffs provide revenue but are too small and distortionary to solve the national debt problem.
BYD Vs. Tesla Example
- Wolff uses BYD versus Tesla to show how a 100% tariff would double the landed cost and make US alternatives uncompetitive.
- He illustrates how firms will buy cheaper foreign inputs if tariffs make domestic prices higher.
