The Reason Roundtable

Can Anyone Stop Trump's Tariffs?

Apr 7, 2025

The hosts dive into the economic impact of Trump's tariffs, unraveling how they affect everyday items from avocados to game consoles. They explore the role of Congress and the courts in challenging these policies and discuss wealthy influencers like Elon Musk potentially reversing them. The conversation turns to public health, highlighting the cuts to vaccine departments amidst rising skepticism. With humor and anecdotes, the group debates the ripple effects of these tariffs on consumer prices and calls for critical scrutiny of political power.

01:09:29

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Quick takeaways

Trump's tariffs are expected to significantly raise prices on everyday goods, affecting the purchasing power of American families directly.

The podcast critiques the oversimplified claims of job creation from tariffs, arguing they could lead to low-wage assembly line positions instead of quality jobs.

Legislative inaction by Congress in responding to Trump's tariffs raises concerns about the balance of power and the protection of citizens' economic interests.

Deep dives

Economic Impact of Tariffs on Families

The podcast details how Trump's tariffs are likely to have significant effects on ordinary American families. One panelist discusses their concerns about their child's delayed purchase of the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 due to potential price increases driven by these tariffs. Another member mentions the rising costs of everyday goods, using avocados as an example, which are expected to be 25% more expensive due to the tariffs affecting imports from Mexico. This personal connection emphasizes how tariffs may not just impact the economy in abstract terms but will also directly influence the purchasing power and savings of everyday Americans.

Intro

2min

Tariffs and Daily Prices

5min

Economic Implications of Trump's Tariff Announcements

2min

Tariffs, Congress, and the Limits of Power

13min

Tariffs, Influence, and the Future of Trade

17min

Vaccine Skepticism and Public Health Challenges

9min

Federal Agency Cuts and Their Consequences on Drug Development

4min

Navigating Trade Policies and Political Skepticism

16min

Reflections on a TV Season and Upcoming Events

2min

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch discuss the economic and political fallout from President Donald Trump's new tariffs. They debate the role Congress, the courts, and billionaire influencers like Elon Musk could play in reversing these policies.

2:00—What goods could be most affected by Trump's tariffs?

8:10—Can Congress stop Trump's tariffs?

18:00—Can the courts challenge Trump's tariffs?

22:00—Will Musk stop Trump's tariffs?

27:14—Who is defending Trump's tariffs?

35:35—RFK Jr. cut 10,000 jobs from the Health and Human Services—maybe?

50:08—Should journalists keep steelmanning Trump's policies?

1:01:25—This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned on this podcast:

3 Myths About American Decline, by Nick Gillespie

Poll: 63% of Americans Want To Increase Trade with Other Nations, 75% Worry Tariffs Are Raising Consumer Prices, by Emily Ekins

Bye-Bye American Pie, by Nick Gillespie

Can RFK Jr. Fix Our Dysfunctional Public Health Agencies? by Ronald Bailey

How The Brady Bunch Handled Measles, by The Highwire

HVAC jobs, by Bureau of Labor Statistics

Why is there a shortage of plumbers and electricians? by Andrew Dorn

Trump's Tariffs: It's Not Just the Stock Market That's In Trouble, by Eric Boehm

The Trump Administration Should Focus on Deregulation, Not Tariffs, by J.D. Tuccille

Trump Is Wrong About McKinley's Tariff Legacy, by Matt Welch

Trump's Longtime Obsession With Trade Deficits Suggests His Tariffs Won't End Soon, by Jacob Sullum

Trump Is Making Affordable Goods Expensive, by Jack Nicastro

Trump's Tariff Blueprint Called for 'Careful Planning' and 'Precise Execution,' by Eric Boehm

Nintendo Delays Switch 2 Preorders Over Trump Tariffs, by Joe Lancaster

Are Trump's Tariffs Constitutional? By Jack Nicastro

White House Cites Tariff Reports That Undermine Its Own Claims, by Erica York

All Trade is Reciprocal. Trump's Tariffs Interfere With That Reciprocity, by J.D. Tuccille

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

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