Amid the tariff frenzy, what are Trump’s actual goals?
Mar 12, 2025
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Dive into the complexities of Trump's tariff strategies and their real economic impacts. Discover how the Department of Education investigates antisemitism on college campuses amidst campus protests. Reflect on the 2019 measles outbreak and the crucial lessons learned in community responses and vaccine trust. Stay updated on important legislative actions to prevent a government shutdown, the latest in U.S. military aid to Ukraine, and new safety recommendations following a recent plane crash.
Trump's tariffs aim to boost American manufacturing and generate revenue, but their effectiveness remains uncertain amid global market fluctuations.
The Department of Education's investigation of antisemitism on campuses reveals the tension between student safety and freedom of expression during protests.
Deep dives
Impact of Trump's Tariff Strategy
The Trump administration's imposition of tariffs on foreign steel and aluminum aims to revive American manufacturing and generate revenue to sustain earlier tax cuts. While these tariffs are set at 25 percent for multiple countries, there is uncertainty about their effectiveness given fluctuating market responses and the risks of heightened international tensions. Insights suggest that these tariff moves could be strategic attempts to negotiate better trade deals with countries like Canada, Mexico, and China. However, experts caution that this aggressive approach may deter long-term investments in the U.S. if the economic instability worsens, potentially leading to recession.
Controversy Surrounding Higher Education Funding
The Department of Education has announced substantial workforce cuts as part of a broader initiative to eliminate the agency, escalating tensions surrounding funding and oversight in higher education. Investigations have been opened into numerous universities regarding alleged anti-Semitic incidents, with the administration warning of additional actions if these schools fail to meet their obligations under civil rights laws. While some Jewish students report feeling unsafe amid protests related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, others argue that protesting these issues does not equate to anti-Semitism. This complex landscape highlights the struggle between ensuring safety for all students and upholding freedom of expression on campuses.
Lessons from Measles Outbreak Responses
Recent measles outbreaks in Texas have infected over 200 individuals, underscoring public health challenges in rural areas where access to care is limited. In contrast, a prior outbreak in New York City provides valuable lessons in effectively managing such crises through community engagement and emergency measures. During the 2019 New York outbreak, officials utilized a state of emergency to deploy resources and build trust within affected Orthodox communities, ultimately facilitating widespread vaccination efforts. This proactive approach helped avert a potential disaster and emphasizes the importance of timely intervention and community collaboration in controlling infectious diseases.
On today’s show: Daniel Flatley of Bloomberg News explains Trump’s tariff policies and some of the economic pressures around them.
The Guardian examines why the Department of Education is investigating allegations of antisemitism on college campuses.
CNN’s Deidre McPhillips looks at what happened the last time the U.S. faced a significant measles outbreak — and the valuable lessons learned from the public-health response.
Plus, the House passed a stopgap funding measure to avert a government shutdown, Ukraine agreed to a ceasefire proposal, and the NTSB released its preliminary report on the D.C. plane crash.
Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.
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