Emma Vigeland, a political analyst, joins economics journalist James Surowiecki and former National Security Advisor Susan Rice to tackle the fallout from Trump's new tariffs. They discuss how these policies are based on flawed calculations, affecting global markets and lower-income Americans. Vigeland hints at Democratic strategies to capitalize on Trump’s missteps. Surowiecki critiques the economic implications of Trump's approach, while Rice shares insights on national security and Trump's controversial foreign relations. It's a lively dissection of politics and economics!
Trump's tariffs have significantly disrupted global markets, leading to a nearly 5% drop in the S&P and raising concerns about their economic impact.
Democrats are leveraging Trump's 'Liberation Day' as an opportunity to highlight the regressive nature of tariffs affecting lower-income Americans.
The victory of Judge Susan Crawford in Wisconsin exemplifies the power of grassroots organizing and signals potential electoral gains for the Democratic Party.
Concerns are growing regarding the Trump administration's reckless national security practices, particularly the use of unsecured platforms for sensitive military discussions.
Deep dives
Benefits of Built for Renters
Built offers a unique rewards program for renters, allowing them to earn points on rent payments, essentially transforming one of the largest monthly expenses into a potential source of rewards. By using Built to pay rent, users can accumulate points that can be transferred to various travel rewards, including hotel stays and airline miles. This program not only maximizes the value of rent payments but also grants access to exclusive neighborhood perks, such as additional dining points or fitness studio benefits, enhancing the overall renting experience. This reimagining of the rental process incentivizes renters to utilize Built, effectively turning rent into a valuable asset rather than a financial burden.
Political Fallout from Trump's Tariff Announcement
President Trump's announcement of tariffs on a variety of imports has sparked significant political debate and market turmoil, highlighting the potential consequences of his trade policies. With tariffs set as high as 54% on imports from China and a baseline of 10% for other countries, many analysts and critics are voicing concern about the impending economic impact on American consumers and businesses. The immediate backlash was evident with the stock market reacting negatively, as seen by the nearly 5% drop in the S&P. Democrats, recognizing the detrimental effects of these tariffs, are beginning to frame them as a regressive tax that disproportionately harms low- and middle-income Americans.
Democratic Resurgence in Wisconsin
The recent electoral victory in Wisconsin, where Judge Susan Crawford triumphed over her Republican opponent, has rejuvenated the Democratic Party and provided a template for fighting back against Trump's influence. This win demonstrates a shift in public sentiment, showcasing how effective grassroots organizing and a clear message focused on democratic values can resonate with voters. Crawford's victory serves as a vital reminder that when Democrats mobilize and unify around critical issues, they can overcome significant challenges posed by the Republican Party. This electoral success is being heralded as a sign of hope and a potential turning point for the Democratic Party in upcoming elections.
Increasing Hostility Towards National Security and Governance
The Trump administration's increasingly reckless handling of national security matters has raised serious concerns among experts and former officials about the implications for U.S. interests and global stability. Recent reports indicate that sensitive discussions around military strategies, including potential actions in Yemen, have taken place on unsecured platforms like Signal, creating substantial risks for both operational integrity and national security. This showcases a troubling trend of neglecting established protocols that are designed to protect sensitive information and ensure informed decision-making. Such recklessness not only compromises U.S. security but diminishes the credibility of its diplomatic efforts on the global stage.
Impact of Reduced Public Health Infrastructure
The dismantling of public health infrastructure under the Trump administration poses a significant threat to health and safety for Americans. By slashing budgets for the CDC, FDA, and NIH, the government is reducing its ability to respond effectively to public health crises, which could have devastating implications for disease prevention and response capabilities. This decline in resources and focus on global health issues means that the U.S. may be ill-prepared to handle emerging health threats, subsequently putting lives at risk both domestically and abroad. The effects of these policies could lead to increased healthcare costs and lower overall health outcomes, raising alarms among public health experts.
Erosion of Rights and Freedoms
The Trump administration's actions regarding immigrants and dissenters reflect a broader erosion of constitutional rights and due process protections. Targeting students protesting against policies or practices perceived as unjust not only intimidates free expression, but also sets a troubling precedent for driven attacks on individual rights. The use of aggressive deportation tactics, particularly against individuals based on arbitrary criteria like tattoos, undermines both legal principles and the core American value of justice. These transformations in governance create a chilling atmosphere where basic freedoms are continually threatened, sparking concerns over the future of civil liberties in the U.S.
Current State of Global Diplomacy under Trump
With the Trump administration's difficulty in appointing a U.S. ambassador to the U.N., there are increasing questions about America's standing in global diplomacy. The challenges surrounding this position reflect deeper issues within the administration's overall approach to international relations, characterized by an apparent lack of interest in constructive engagement and collaboration with allies. Instead of fostering productive discussions on critical global issues, the focus seems narrowed to isolationist and reactionary policies that alienate potential partners and allies. This disregard for diplomacy may undermine the U.S.'s influence on the world stage and complicate efforts to address pressing global challenges.
Donald Trump's drastic new tariffs wreak havoc across the global economy, sending markets tumbling and powerful countries reconsidering their alliances—and it turns out they're based on fake math. Tommy and guest host Emma Vigeland, co-host of The Majority Report with Sam Seder, discuss how Democrats can turn Trump's disastrous "Liberation Day" into a win, Judge Susan Crawford's big victory in Wisconsin, and what Cory Booker's marathon filibuster can tell us about where the Democratic party needs to go. Then, Tommy breaks down Trump's tariffs with economics journalist James Surowiecki, who was the first to suggest that Trump's math didn't add up. Later, Tommy talks with former national security advisor and UN Ambassador Susan Rice about Signalgate, Trump appeasing Russia, RFK's assault on our public health, and more.
For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
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