More or Less: Behind the Stats
The mistake in Trump’s tariff formula
Apr 9, 2025
Discover the miscalculations behind Trump's tariff policies and their broader economic effects. Uncover the challenges of accurately counting police presence and the implications for community safety. Dive into local tax debates in Wandsworth, where humor meets serious policy discussions, notably around council tax freezes. Plus, learn about the fascinating genetics of redheads and their surprisingly higher pain tolerance. This mix of serious stats and lighthearted topics keeps the conversation engaging!
29:37
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Quick takeaways
- The formula used by Trump to impose tariffs oversimplifies trade dynamics, ignoring critical economic factors beyond mere trade deficits.
- Recent audits reveal a steep decline in neighborhood police officers, highlighting a disconnect between government promises and community safety needs.
Deep dives
Understanding Tariff Calculations
The podcast delves into the complexities surrounding recent changes in U.S. trade policy, particularly focusing on the imposition of tariffs. Contrary to the notion that these tariffs are reciprocal, the calculations reveal a simplistic formula based solely on trade deficits rather than comprehensive evaluations of trade barriers. For example, the formula used subverts an accurate projection by relying on export and import values alone, which raises questions about the actual impact of these tariffs. The discussions surrounding this formula highlight a misconception that more sophisticated economic analysis was employed, leading to significant misunderstandings among the public and analysts alike.
