The Wright Show The Psycho-logic of Trump’s Tariffs (Robert Wright & Paul Bloom)
Apr 9, 2025
Paul Bloom, a world-renowned Canadian psychologist, joins Robert Wright for a riveting discussion touching on the psycho-logic behind Trump’s tariffs. They explore the flaws in America’s political structure and examine trade dynamics with Canada and Ukraine. The conversation humorously navigates political pressures, the duality of intelligence in figures like Elon Musk, and the complexities of societal taboos like consensual incest. They also delve into media consumption and playful predictions, making for an engaging and thought-provoking exchange.
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Tariffs Impact Appliance Shopping
- Paul Bloom shares a personal story about appliance shopping affected by tariffs.
- Tariff uncertainty drove them to buy a different brand, illustrating everyday impact of trade policies.
Flawed Logic Behind Trump's Tariffs
- Trump's tariff formula aimed to eliminate trade deficits per country but is fundamentally flawed.
- Punishing poor countries for trade deficits ignores economic realities and harms consumers unfairly.
Trade War Risks and Irrationality
- Trump's escalating tariffs on China ignore realistic outcomes and lead to inevitable retaliation.
- This trade war risks raising US borrowing costs, showing economic irrationality.
