S2 Ep1019: David Frum: It's Too Late to Stop the Pain
Apr 11, 2025
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David Frum, a staff writer at The Atlantic and host of The David Frum Show, unpacks the chaos of Trump-era policies. He discusses the looming impact of trade embargoes on U.S. retail and the absurdity of tariffs, which could escalate smuggling. Frum warns about the long-term fallout from Trump's actions, predicting that future presidents will still be grappling with the consequences. He also touches on the erosion of Canadian-American relations and emphasizes the importance of globalism for peace and prosperity.
The podcast highlights Trump's trade embargo on China, warning that it will soon lead to American retail shortages.
David Frum discusses the absurdity of Trump's tariffs, particularly stressing their detrimental impact on essential manufacturing processes like screw production.
The conversation raises concerns about the long-term implications of Trump's protectionist policies, questioning the Republican Party's future stance on free trade.
Deep dives
Supreme Court Ruling on Deportation Case
The Supreme Court issued a unanimous decision regarding the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland father of a special needs child, signaling that the administration must facilitate his return from El Salvador. However, the ruling did not mandate his return and hinted at limitations on the courts' ability to intervene in foreign affairs, reflecting a deference to the executive branch. This nuanced outcome is seen as a strategy by Chief Justice Roberts to achieve a broad consensus rather than deliver a decisive ruling. The potential implications raise concerns about the administration’s willingness to comply, especially given the ongoing tensions related to Trump’s dealings with foreign nations.
Economic Policies and the Federal Reserve
Discussion centered around Trump's economic mismanagement, suggesting he may consider firing Jerome Powell, the head of the Federal Reserve, due to political pressures stemming from a failing economic strategy. Particularly, Trump's failed tariffs and trade wars are predicted to lead to significant economic downturns, necessitating a scapegoat for his administration’s failures. The rising interest rates and the looming prospect of an economic crisis could compel Trump to shift blame to the Federal Reserve, thereby seeking to align its policy decisions with his agenda. The conversation underscores the precariousness of U.S. economic stability and highlights Trump's urgency in maintaining a façade of control amid growing dissatisfaction.
The Challenges of Manufacturing in America
The discussion highlighted the impracticality of bringing iPhone manufacturing back to the U.S. by emphasizing a specific example: the production of tiny screws essential for the device. The process for creating these screws requires specialized skills and equipment, which are hindered by Trump's tariffs on both raw materials and manufacturing machinery. This situation illustrates the broader absurdity of manufacturing policies that target specific production elements without considering the intricate nature of supply chains and market needs. It serves as a reminder of the complexity involved in global commerce and the challenges of reestablishing domestic manufacturing capabilities.
Political Ramifications of Protectionism
The podcast examined the potential long-term effects of Trump’s protectionist policies, pondering whether the Republican Party will return to free trade principles after his presidency. The fears surrounding a resurgence of protectionism reflect broader socio-economic concerns fueled by historical failures related to isolationism and trade wars. The conversation invoked examples from American history that illustrate the damaging consequences of such policies, notably suggesting that the electorate may eventually demand a return to cooperative international relations. The implications of ongoing protectionist stances could lead to a more profound shift in the Republican Party's identity and electoral strategies.
Global Cooperation and Future Challenges
The need for international cooperation in the face of rising political isolationism was emphasized, particularly as the U.S. risks alienating its global allies. The podcast noted that many European nations and geopolitical players are reassessing their relationships with the U.S. amidst concerns surrounding Trump's unpredictability and the erosion of established frameworks for international collaboration. The discussion highlighted the necessity for Europe to develop its military and strategic autonomy in response to dwindling American guarantees, thereby altering the landscape of global security. This shift could have lasting implications for future administrations and the geopolitical balance of power.
Trump has effectively imposed a trade embargo on China, which means that after the inventory runs out, American retail will soon dry up. And since Europeans are already bypassing U.S. military contractors to beef up their defense spending —El Salvador is our only ally now— Trump is likely to do something desperate, like firing the Fed chair or seizing Greenland. American presidents decades from now will still be cleaning up what Trump did to this country in 2025. David Frum breaks down the insanity and stupidity of the vision behind the tariffs regime as well as the deep feelings of betrayal in Canada. If globalism means peace, prosperity, and commerce, then let's be globalists.
David Frum joins guest host Jonathan V. Last for the weekend pod. show notes
