In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Peter Suderman, Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, and special guest Eric Boehm lament the beginning of what could become a terrible trade war between the United States and its three largest trading partners—Canada, Mexico, and China.
01:51—President Donald Trump signs orders imposing tariffs against Canada, Mexico, and China
24:18—The Trump administration attempts to freeze federal aid and offers federal workers buyouts
43:20—Weekly listener question
52:08—Quick news lightning round: DCA plane crash, Elon Musk and government payment systems, China's Deepseek AI
58:26—This week's cultural recommendations
Mentioned in this podcast:
"Stupid Trade War," by Liz Wolfe
"Tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China Could Start This Weekend," by Eric Boehm
"Trump's Tariffs To Tank Tequila," by Eric Boehm
"Challenge Trump's Tariffs Under the Nondelegation and Major Questions Doctrines," by Ilya Somin
"How Trump Could Unilaterally Place Tariffs on Mexico and Canada," by Eric Boehm
"Trump's Role Model McKinley Tariffed His Way to Imperialism," by Matt Welch
"Trump's Pro-Growth, Anti-Trade Positions Are on a Collision Course," by Veronique de Rugy
"The White House's 'Feverish Dream' About $50 Million for Condoms in Gaza," by Matthew Petti
"Why Is Paramount So Keen To Settle Trump's Laughable Lawsuit Against CBS?" by Jacob Sullum
"Trump's Orders Feature Nonexistent Emergencies, Illegal Power Grabs, and Blatant Inconsistencies," by Jacob Sullum
"Understaffed Air Traffic Control, DEI Are Unlikely Causes of D.C. Plane Crash," by Christian Britschgi
"How a Chinese AI Company Found a Way Around America's Export Controls," by Jack Nicastro
Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.
Today's sponsors:
- Are you being lied to? They tell you to max out your 401(k) and IRA, and then make you beg for permission to use your own money! It's time to get the truth and discover a better way to grow and protect your money! Bank On Yourself is the proven retirement plan alternative banks and Wall Street desperately hope you never hear about. You're in control. You get access to your money for emergencies and opportunities with no questions asked! There are no government penalties or restrictions on how much or when you can take it. And when you use your money, it keeps growing like you never touched it! Try doing that with a 401(k) or IRA…you can't! You can get a free report that reveals how you can Bank On Yourself and enjoy tax-free retirement income, guaranteed growth, and control of your money. Just go to https://www.bankonyourself.com/roundtable.
- Are you a student looking for a transformative opportunity that supports the foundations of a free society? Reliance College invites students aged 16 to 24 to the 2025 Great Connections Seminar in Chicago, from July 26th to August 2nd. This year's theme, "Reason and Free Will," dives into timeless ideas from writers such as Thomas Jefferson, Ayn Rand, and Aristotle. Students sharpen critical thinking in small, dynamic groups, developing the intellectual tools needed to thrive in a free society. Outside the classroom, they'll explore Chicago's vibrant culture—touring museums, trying improv comedy, and building lifelong connections. Parents, this program equips students to think, reason, and act independently. Go to reliancecollege.org/reason to learn more and apply. Early registration is just $400 before March 1st, including room and board, with scholarships available. Don't miss out! Visit www.reliancecollege.org/reason to learn more and apply.
Audio production by Ian Keyser
Assistant production by Hunt Beaty
Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve
- Video Editor: Ian Keyser
- Producer: Hunt Beaty
The post Trump's Dumb Trade War appeared first on Reason.com.
The Reason Roundtable