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The Winston Marshall Show

Oren Cass - Why FREE TRADE Is Actually HURTING American Workers & The Case For Tariffs

Mar 8, 2025
Oren Cass, an economist and political advisor, critiques international free trade and advocates for tariffs to protect American jobs. He discusses how free trade, particularly with China, has contributed to job loss and economic decline. Cass emphasizes the historical context of protectionism, linking deindustrialization to broader social issues like the opioid epidemic. The conversation highlights the necessity of balancing consumer interests with the need for a stable American workforce amid shifting global trade dynamics.
55:09

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Oren Cass argues that tariffs are essential for protecting American jobs and securing the domestic economy against free trade's adverse effects.
  • Historical perspectives reveal that high tariffs played a crucial role in America's industrial growth, challenging the current belief in free trade's universal benefits.

Deep dives

The Case for Tariffs and Their Economic Implications

Tariffs are considered beneficial for working people as they aim to protect domestic industries and secure jobs. Historical context reveals that the U.S. economy thrived on high tariffs, especially during its early industrialization, challenging the notion that free trade is universally positive. The argument presented suggests that by allowing products to be produced offshore without reciprocity in trade, American jobs are lost, leading to a hollowed-out economy. To benefit workers, it’s essential to reconsider trade agreements that favor global competition over domestic stability.

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