The Charlie Kirk Show cover image

The Charlie Kirk Show

The Real History of Tariffs

Apr 8, 2025
John Carney, finance and economics editor at Breitbart.com, dives deep into the history and impact of tariffs on the economy. He debunks myths linking tariffs to the Great Depression and clarifies how Reagan's policies led to both market dips and subsequent booms. Carney discusses Trump's trade strategies, emphasizing America's negotiating power with China. He also examines the surprising positive responses in global trade, challenging expectations of a trade war, and sheds light on the complexities of international trade agreements.
31:43

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • John Carney emphasizes that tariffs alone did not cause the Great Depression, pointing to broader economic factors as more influential.
  • The podcast highlights President Trump's strategy of brinkmanship in trade negotiations, leveraging U.S. advantages to foster cooperative agreements with other countries.

Deep dives

Market Rebound and Economic Optimism

The recent volatility in the markets saw a significant rebound, with indices like the Dow rising by nearly a thousand points. This shift in momentum was primarily influenced by economic forecasts that contradicted earlier fears of an impending economic downturn. Factors contributing to this optimism include Secretary of Treasury Scott Besson's remarks about President Trump's negotiating leverage in trade discussions, particularly with China. Besson emphasized that China, heavily reliant on exports to the U.S., is at a disadvantage if tariff negotiations escalate, presenting an advantageous position for the U.S.

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
App store bannerPlay store banner