Slate News cover image

Slate News

What Next | The Upside Of Tariffs

Apr 7, 2025
Jonathan Last, Editor of The Bulwark and a sharp political commentator, dives into the intricate world of tariffs in this engaging discussion. He scrutinizes the consequences of Trump’s tariff policies and whether they truly benefit America. The conversation explores how economic downturns can empower authoritarian leaders and highlights the political maneuvering behind tariffs. Last also examines businesses' conflicting responses and the disconnect between economic facts and public sentiment, all while emphasizing the importance of solidarity in a democratic context.
32:30

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The implementation of tariffs under Trump could lead to over $2,000 in increased costs for American households by 2025.
  • Political dynamics reveal that CEOs may silence opposition to damaging economic policies due to fear of losing favor with the Trump administration.

Deep dives

Economic Consequences of Tariffs

The implementation of tariffs under the Trump administration is projected to have significant financial implications for American households, with estimates suggesting an increase of over $2,000 in costs by 2025. This move, seen as a way to correct trade imbalances, raises concerns due to its foundation on a flawed understanding of trade dynamics. The tariffs not only threaten to escalate prices for consumers but also indicate a broader economic strategy that could impact stability and growth. The strategy has drawn criticism for declaring a national emergency to justify policies that some consider unnecessary and damaging.

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
App store bannerPlay store banner