The Brian Lehrer Show

Trump's Tariffs Could Be Hard To "Dislodge"

Aug 11, 2025
Eric Levitz, senior correspondent at Vox, dives into the repercussions of Trump's tariffs, which recently went into effect, and their lasting impact on American consumers. He discusses how these tariffs might be challenging to reverse, despite their negative effects on local businesses and inflation. Levitz also addresses the burdens small enterprises face due to rising costs and the complexities surrounding public trust in government and taxation. The conversation culminates in a consideration of how economic dissatisfaction could alter political loyalties.
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INSIGHT

Tariff Scope And Early Revenue

  • President Trump implemented 15% tariffs on most imports and some higher rates.
  • The U.S. has collected over $150 billion and rates are the highest since 1933.
INSIGHT

Consumers Bear Most Tariff Costs

  • Companies usually pass tariffs to consumers as higher prices.
  • Eric Levitz says foreign exporters rarely absorb those costs, so Americans pay a de facto sales tax on imports.
INSIGHT

Retailers' Stockpiling Delays Price Shock

  • Retailers stocked up before tariffs, keeping consumer prices tamer for now.
  • That inventory cushion may end as new tariffs and future rounds hit shelves.
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