The Opinions Trump Is a Totem For Wealth. What Happens If the Economy Crashes?
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Aug 9, 2025 
Jamel Bouie, a New York Times columnist known for his sharp insights on race and politics, joins Steve Ratner, a seasoned Wall Street financier and former Treasury official, for a deep dive into the implications of Trump's recent political maneuvers. They discuss the risks of unchecked political power and the politicization of institutions like the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The conversation also tackles the integrity of job statistics in an uncertain economy and the urgency of gerrymandering reform to protect electoral integrity amid a polarized landscape.
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BLS Numbers Are Not Arbitrary
- The BLS releases jobs data from century-old, standardized surveys compiled by career staff.
- Steve Rattner says the head can't simply invent job numbers.
CEOs Are Shocked By Unpredictability
- CEOs told Steve Rattner they are 'appalled, taken aback, shocked' by attacks on institutions.
- Business leaders fear policy whiplash and rising uncertainty.
Job Revisions Signal A Weakening Market
- Recent BLS revisions show decelerating job growth across three months.
- Steve Rattner warns these downward revisions can presage broader labor weakness.