Trumponomics The Year Ahead: Tariffs, AI and Fed Independence
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Dec 24, 2025 
In this engaging discussion, Tom Orlik, Chief Economist at Bloomberg Economics, analyzes the implications of 2025's chaotic tariff policies. Parmy Olson, a tech columnist, delves into the surprising advancements in Chinese AI and how these shifts could impact the global tech landscape. Meanwhile, Mario Parker offers political insights on the administration's mixed signals regarding tariffs and rising costs. The trio also explores the future of Fed independence, AI's economic role, and the potential ramifications of a looming tech market correction.
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Chaos As A Deliberate Strategy
- The tariff rollout fiasco signaled deliberate chaos as a White House strategy rather than mere incompetence.
- Mario Parker says the administration wants to "move fast and break things" to dominate headlines and policy outcomes.
Uncertainty As A Political Tool
- Trump uses uncertainty as a tool to dominate headlines and keep attention focused on the presidency.
- Tom Orlik calls the presidency a "soap opera" with daily cliffhangers to control the narrative.
Restrictions Spurred Chinese AI Ingenuity
- Chinese open models like DeepSeek challenged the effectiveness of U.S. export controls by innovating with fewer chips.
- Parmy Olson notes U.S. chip restrictions spurred Chinese ingenuity and rising alternative models like Alibaba's Qwen.