The Socialist Program with Brian Becker Why Trump Is Targeting Europe w/ Prof. Richard Wolff
4 snips
May 28, 2025 
Richard Wolff, an author and economics professor, joins the discussion to dissect Trump's tariff threats against Europe and their impact on stock markets. As the EU seems willing to negotiate, they explore if Europe is capitulating to Trump. The conversation dives into contrasting economic models of the U.S. and Europe, workers' rights, and the critique of American capitalism's failures. Wolff highlights the rise and fall of the dollar, as well as shifting global power dynamics, particularly in relation to China.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Richard Wolff's French Experience
- Richard Wolff shares his experience visiting France and observing its unique culture and communal lifestyle.
- He describes the beauty, social care, and aesthetics that make French society different from the U.S.
Europe's Social Programs vs U.S.
- European countries guarantee five weeks paid vacation and ban after-hours work communication by law.
- Social programs like free healthcare and tuition highlight a commitment to worker welfare absent in the U.S.
Trump's Tariff Strategy Explained
- Trump blames foreign countries for U.S. economic troubles, ignoring corporate decisions moving production overseas.
- Tariffs are used to punish other countries while shifting the blame from American corporate leaders.