Join Janet Yellen, the outgoing Treasury Secretary and economic powerhouse, as she dissects the implications of proposed tariffs, warning they could hike prices for American consumers. She shares insights on tackling inflation, supporting middle-class wages, and the urgent need for clean energy tax incentives. Yellen also lightens the mood with a hilarious tale of an unexpected hallucinogenic dining experience in China and shares candid moments about her personal encounters with smoking and cannabis. An engaging blend of economics and humor!
Janet Yellen emphasizes that the administration's proactive measures during the COVID-19 pandemic have significantly stabilized the economy and supported struggling Americans.
She warns that Trump's proposed tariffs would act as a tax increase for consumers, leading to higher prices and potentially stifling economic growth.
Deep dives
Janet Yellen's Reflections on Economic Achievements
Janet Yellen discusses the accomplishments of the Biden administration, particularly regarding the response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic impact. During her tenure, proactive measures such as facilitating vaccinations and providing rental assistance helped stabilize the economy and assist individuals facing financial hardship. Yellen highlights that the U.S. economy is performing strongly, with wage growth allowing typical earners to maintain their purchasing power while having additional savings. Despite this success, she acknowledges that public perception of the economy does not always align with economic indicators, pointing to the ongoing struggles of many Americans with rising costs.
Challenges of Tariffs and Consumer Costs
Yellen addresses the implications of proposed new tariffs, particularly those suggested by Donald Trump, explaining that they would effectively act as a tax increase for American consumers. Increased tariffs on imported goods will likely lead to higher prices for everyday items, exacerbating the financial strain already felt by many households. This also poses a threat to American businesses that rely on imports, making them less competitive in global markets and hindering economic growth. Yellen stresses that such strategies would not adequately resolve the issues Americans are facing regarding cost of living.
Advice for Future Economic Policies
Yellen offers insights on maintaining clean energy tax incentives that have the potential to generate significant investments and job growth across the country, particularly in regions that need economic revitalization. She warns of the long-term consequences of extending tax cuts that primarily benefit the wealthiest, suggesting the importance of finding sustainable fiscal strategies. Yellen urges the incoming administration to prioritize supporting the middle class and emphasizes the need for fairness in the tax system. Her recommendations reflect a commitment to addressing both immediate economic pressures and fostering a more balanced future.
Outgoing Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen does the math on President-elect Trump's proposed tariffs on foreign goods and says it adds up to higher costs for American consumers in this extended edit of her interview, taped Wednesday 1/15/2025.