Cato Podcast

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 He highlights how outdated regulations hinder new energy generation just as AI demand soars.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.

Robby Soave, a senior editor at Reason and co-host of Rising at The Hill, dives into the complexities of free speech in the wake of recent media incidents. He discusses the emotional aftermath of the Charlie Kirk assassination and the implications of government-induced speech suppression. Soave emphasizes the need for unwavering First Amendment principles, critiquing FCC overreach and the evolving challenges of cancel culture. The conversation also explores the balance between accountability and constitutional rights in today's digital age.

Joining the discussion are Jeffrey Miron, a Harvard economics lecturer and expert on fiscal policy, and Thomas A. Berry, a constitutional studies director and Supreme Court editor. They dive into the implications of government shutdowns, questioning their actual economic impacts and potential for mass layoffs. The conversation spans legal challenges around layoffs, the Supreme Court's upcoming term, and critical constitutional issues, including the administration's approach to tariffs and independent agencies. Insightful debates on reform proposals and the judicial landscape make this a must-listen!

In this discussion, Patrick Eddington, a senior fellow at the Cato Institute focusing on homeland security and civil liberties, explores the intricate mechanics of government shutdowns. He highlights that Trump's 35-day shutdown sets a precedent for today's contentious politics. Patrick sheds light on how essential services continue while stressing the chaotic impacts on hiring and civil service morale. He warns against executive overreach amidst budget negotiations, emphasizing the fragile state of civil liberties in an increasingly polarized environment.