Freakonomics Radio 371. A Free-Trade Democrat in the Trump White House
Mar 14, 2019
Gary Cohn, former president of Goldman Sachs and director of the National Economic Council under Trump, shares his tumultuous journey in the White House. He discusses the challenges of implementing tax reform and the chaotic political climate he navigated. Cohn reveals why he still speaks with Trump despite calling him 'a professional liar.' The conversation delves into the clash between globalization and nationalism, the economic implications of immigration, and the contentious debates over trade policies that defined the administration's economic landscape.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Cohn's Unlikely Path to Wall Street
- Gary Cohn, despite severe dyslexia, landed a job on an options trading desk by feigning expertise.
- He then diligently studied options trading to fulfill the role, showcasing his adaptability and determination.
Cohn's Loyalty to Goldman Sachs
- Gary Cohn remained at Goldman Sachs longer than initially planned due to Lloyd Blankfein's illness.
- Cohn prioritized the firm's stability and his colleague's health over his own ambitions.
Initial Contact with the Trump Campaign
- Cohn received a call from Jared Kushner to discuss economic policy during the 2016 presidential campaign.
- Cohn's initial response was driven by support for deregulation, lower taxes, and corporate repatriation.
