Cato Podcast

Brandan P. Buck, a research associate at the Cato Institute with expertise in defense and foreign policy, joins the discussion on U.S. military posturing in Venezuela. They dissect the shifting justifications for intervention, highlighting dubious drug claims and the risks of regime change. Buck critiques the reliance on airstrikes without local support and warns of repeating past mistakes like in Libya. They also ponder the potential fallout on migration and governance post-Maduro, emphasizing the complexities of American intervention.

Brent Skorup, a legal fellow at the Cato Institute with expertise in constitutional law, joins Scott Lincicome to unpack a groundbreaking Supreme Court case on Trump's fentanyl tariffs. They tackle the implications of emergency tariffs on executive power and the constitutional separation of powers. Key discussions include the lack of procedural safeguards in the tariff system, the significance of Justice Gorsuch's probing questions, and the potential for Congress to reclaim its authority. With a broad coalition backing the importers, they share cautious optimism for a favorable outcome.

Romina Boccia, Director of Budget and Entitlement Policy at the Cato Institute, dives into the implications of the recent government shutdown. She highlights how the shutdown is used as political leverage, with the overlooked reality that federal workers are becoming collateral in negotiations. Boccia discusses the shocking scope of ACA subsidies benefiting high earners and the potential of $1.5 trillion in deficit spending. She also proposes long-term solutions like privatizing certain federal functions to tackle rising debt and inflation.

The impact of U.S. steel protectionism costs a staggering $650,000 per job saved, demonstrating the inefficacy of tariffs. Historical trends reveal a long-term decline in the steel industry despite decades of protective measures. Buy American rules add financial burdens while failing to ensure competitiveness. Recent disputes over acquisitions spotlight political and economic ramifications. The hosts suggest market-oriented solutions to revitalize the industry, advocating for reforms in trade practices and regulations.

Colleen Hroncich, a policy analyst at the Cato Institute's Center for Educational Freedom, dives into innovative education models. She explores micro schools and personalized learning, hybrid schools, and the evolution of pandemic-era learning pods. Colleen discusses how education savings accounts allow for customized learning experiences while shedding light on forest schools and nature-based curricula. The conversation also touches on funding disparities and the challenges faced by founders of new school models, all highlighting the need for diverse schooling options to enrich society.

The podcast dives into the political pressures facing the Federal Reserve, revealing the conflicting agendas from Republicans and Democrats. Hosts Norbert Michel and Jai Kedia challenge the assumption that the Fed has absolute control over inflation and economic outcomes. They discuss the impact of COVID stimulus on inflation, the constraints of Fed policies, and the risks of drastic rate cuts. Advocating for clear congressional rules, they argue for a transparent framework to enhance the Fed’s independence and accountability.

Travis Fisher, Director of energy and environmental policy studies at the Cato Institute, discusses the urgent intersection of AI and energy policy. He highlights how outdated regulations hinder new energy generation just as AI demand soars. Travis argues for free-market solutions to foster innovation while mitigating risks to consumers. He emphasizes AI's potential to enhance human ingenuity in discovering new energy technologies and calls for permitting reforms to support infrastructure development. The conversation reveals how AI can create unprecedented opportunities across sectors.

Justin Logan, a defense policy analyst advocating for restraint, and Ian Vasquez, a global politics expert focused on Latin America, dive into Trump’s complicated claims of peacemaking amid military escalations in Ukraine and cartel airstrikes. They discuss whether U.S. involvement risks deeper entanglement in the Middle East and the implications of Trump’s pledges. The conversation shifts to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado's recent Nobel Prize win, exploring her role against Maduro’s regime and the impact of election fraud on democracy in Venezuela.

David Bier, Director of Immigration Studies at the Cato Institute, brings his expertise to a discussion on the increasing dangers faced by immigration enforcement officers. He contrasts Trump’s two terms, revealing a more aggressive stance in mass deportations. The podcast delves into the implications of racial profiling, due process erosion, and the use of federal resources for immigration enforcement. Bier also critiques misleading narratives surrounding ICE incidents and argues for targeted strategies that better protect officers while addressing constitutional concerns.

Neal McCluskey, Director for Cato's Center for Educational Freedom, discusses the constitutional risks of Trump's 'Compact with Academia,' highlighting the threats to academic freedom and ideological balance. Adam Michel, Director of Tax Policy Studies, critiques enhanced Obamacare subsidies, presenting economic reasons against their extension. The conversation delves into the implications of federal funding and its politicization of academia, as well as the standoff over budget cuts and potential layoffs within the federal workforce.