Squawk Pod cover image

Squawk Pod

Tariffs & a “Drug War” with NEC Director Kevin Hassett 02/03/25

Feb 3, 2025
Kevin Hassett, former Director of the National Economic Council under President Trump, unveils the complexities of tariffs and their unexpected links to the fentanyl crisis. He argues these measures are more about a drug war than a trade war, sparking discussions on Canada’s potential retaliation. The episode also dives into the implications for the auto industry, global economic strategies, and how the tariff landscape influences public health issues. Insights from notable analysts further enrich the conversation.
47:23

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • President Trump's proposed tariffs, affecting $1.25 trillion in goods, could significantly increase costs for consumers, especially in the auto industry.
  • Canada's planned retaliatory tariffs on $155 billion of American goods highlight the potential for a damaging trade war between neighbors.

Deep dives

Impact of New Tariffs

The proposed tariffs by President Trump are set to cover approximately $1.25 trillion in goods, affecting about 40 percent of U.S. imports. This represents a significant increase from tariffs in his first term, tripling the previous level. The administration has decided not to allow exemptions, meaning companies cannot seek waivers for their products, which could particularly hit small businesses and consumers hard. The auto industry is predicted to experience a $6,250 increase in vehicle costs, with the burden likely passed on to consumers.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode