The Majority Report with Sam Seder cover image

The Majority Report with Sam Seder

2470 - Recession Watch; Trump’s NLRB Firing Blocked w/ Matt Bruenig

Apr 7, 2025
Matt Bruenig, a labor lawyer and NLRB Edge writer, dives into the economic landscape, examining Trump's tariffs and their impact on the lower-income families and retirement savings crisis. He discusses misconceptions about trade deficits and the complexities of industrial policy, particularly in labor law. The conversation takes a poignant turn towards the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, emphasizing the need for equitable solutions. With a humorous touch, Bruenig critiques capitalism and the absurdities of current economic discourse, shedding light on the ongoing tensions in education reform.
01:00:41

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The economic ramifications of Trump's tariffs, which threaten a potential recession, disproportionately impact lower-income individuals lacking stock ownership.
  • Cuts to public health funding by the Trump administration jeopardize crucial cancer research initiatives and raise concerns about essential safety nets like Social Security.

Deep dives

Impact of Trump's Tariffs on the Economy

Trump continues to advocate for his tariffs, even as the stock market experiences significant declines, resulting in a loss of over $6 trillion in value. Analysts predict a 60% chance of a recession, and criticisms arise regarding the detrimental effects of these tariffs on the global economy. These actions seem to reflect a consolidation of power, as Trump appears to hold the economy hostage to compel world leaders into compliance. The economic distress caused by the tariffs disproportionately affects lower-income individuals who do not own stocks, underscoring the unequal nature of these policies.

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