What Next | Daily News and Analysis Trump’s Animal-Spirit Economy
Mar 20, 2025
Stephanie Ruhle, NBC business analyst and host of The 11th Hour, sheds light on the tumultuous economic landscape during Trump's presidency. She discusses the initial optimism from business leaders about deregulation and tax cuts, contrasted with the reality of tariffs and their impact. Ruhle critiques the shift from cooperative trade to aggressive tariffs, and their consequences for domestic manufacturing. The conversation also touches on government inefficiencies, economic challenges, and the interplay between immigration and economic policies in shaping the current landscape.
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Initial Business Optimism
- Many business leaders initially embraced Trump's second term, expecting pro-business policies.
- They anticipated deregulation, extended corporate tax cuts, and a focus on the stock market.
Tariff Contradictions
- Trump imposed tariffs on Canada and Mexico, claiming it would stop fentanyl imports.
- However, he simultaneously created a carve-out for smaller packages, the primary fentanyl entry point.
University Cuts and Regional Economies
- Trump's proposed university funding cuts could severely impact regional economies.
- Universities are major employers, often tied to research facilities and healthcare systems.