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Squawk Pod

‘Chaotic’ Policy: Janet Yellen & Lina Khan on Tariffs 4/14/25

Apr 14, 2025
Janet Yellen, the former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, shares her thoughts on the chaotic tariff policies under the Trump administration and their impact on the economy. Lina Khan, former FTC Chair, brings her expertise on antitrust, discussing the legal challenges facing Meta over its acquisitions. Both guests emphasize the unpredictable nature of current tariffs and their implications for tech industries and international relations, even drawing parallels between market chaos and sports emotional journeys.
45:04

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Janet Yellen stresses that the unpredictability of tariffs complicates financial planning for households and businesses, threatening consumer spending.
  • Lina Khan emphasizes the need for fair competition in technology, arguing that Meta's monopolistic practices impede innovation and emerging rivals.

Deep dives

Economic Uncertainty and Tariffs

The ongoing uncertainty surrounding tariffs, particularly those imposed on China, creates a paralyzing environment for both households and businesses. Former Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen highlights that this unpredictability complicates financial planning, as details about which products are subject to tariffs fluctuate. The administration's conflicting messages, including supposed exemptions that later get retracted, contribute to this confusion. This chaotic tariff situation is likely to have significant economic repercussions, including potential reductions in consumer spending due to increased costs.

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