

Why a Worrisome Economy Doesn’t Seem to Worry Trump
700 snips Mar 21, 2025
Ben Casselman, chief economics correspondent for The New York Times, and Maggie Haberman, White House correspondent, discuss Trump's surprising resilience in the face of economic downturns. They explore how his aggressive policies, particularly tariffs, are affecting consumer confidence and the financial markets. Despite rising inflation and skepticism from economists, Trump remains unapologetic. The conversation sheds light on the complexities of his economic agenda, the shifting public sentiment, and the political ramifications leading into the midterms.
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Economic Confidence Decline
- Trump's economic policies have caused a sharp decline in market and consumer confidence.
- Despite inheriting a relatively stable economy, these declines pose a significant risk of becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Impact of Government Cuts
- Trump's aggressive government cuts create direct economic impact through layoffs and program cancellations.
- They also indirectly affect confidence, causing uncertainty among contractors and ripple effects in related sectors.
Tariff Effects
- Tariffs raise prices, impacting both consumers and businesses.
- This contradicts Trump's campaign promises of controlling inflation, leading to increased consumer anxiety.