Cato Podcast

Patrick Eddington, a Senior Fellow at the Cato Institute and author of The Triumph of Fear, examines President Trump's executive order on firearms. He highlights the significant missed opportunities related to Second Amendment rights. Eddington critiques the Mexican government's lawsuit against Smith & Wesson, questioning its lack of documentation and legal grounding. The conversation delves into the implications for the firearms industry and the challenges in holding manufacturers liable, revealing the complexities of gun rights and regulation amidst ongoing violence.

Caleb Kruckenberg, litigation director at the Center for Individual Rights, represents clients challenging the Corporate Transparency Act. He delves into the privacy concerns that arise for small businesses required to disclose sensitive information. The discussion addresses potential Fourth Amendment violations and the burden of compliance. Kruckenberg also raises First Amendment concerns, particularly regarding donor privacy for nonprofits, and examines the chilling effects of mandatory political registration. It's a fascinating look at the intersection of privacy rights and government oversight.

Jeff Singer, a Senior Fellow at the Cato Institute and drug policy expert, dives deep into the ineffective HALT Fentanyl Act. He reveals how this legislation perpetuates a failed framework that does little to curb the illicit fentanyl market. The discussion highlights the complications of fentanyl's Schedule 1 classification on medical research, reveals the disconnect in legal responses, and draws parallels to alcohol prohibition, advocating for harm reduction and lifting legal restrictions to improve public health.

Alex Nowrasteh, Vice President for Economic and Social Policy Studies at the Cato Institute, dives into the surprising stats on immigrant welfare usage. In 2022, immigrants accessed 21% less welfare per capita than U.S.-born citizens. He discusses how strict eligibility criteria and the drive for opportunity shape this trend. Illegal immigrants contribute significantly to Social Security without drawing benefits, showcasing their economic impact. The conversation also urges a rethink of welfare policies for non-citizens, highlighting their role in alleviating social costs.

Gene Healy, Senior Vice President for Policy at the Cato Institute, brings his libertarian expertise to discuss the hurdles facing government downsizing. He emphasizes the need for Congressional support to implement effective reform rather than relying solely on executive action. The conversation highlights concerns about the expanding power of the presidency and explores historical limitations on executive authority. Healy also critiques the centralization of power and advocates for structural reforms to promote better governance.

Neil McCluskey, Director of the Cato Institute Center for Educational Freedom and an expert in education policy, dives deep into the implications of Trump's education executive orders. He discusses how these actions face constitutional hurdles without Congress. McCluskey advocates for school choice and critiques the federal government's involvement in education, citing inefficiencies and stagnant performance. The conversation also touches on the contentious teaching of history and race, highlighting the tension between bias and mandated narratives.

Nicholas Anthony, a policy analyst at the Cato Institute and expert on debanking, dives into the troubling realities of financial exclusion faced by marginalized groups. He discusses how federal regulations create barriers to banking, sometimes targeting ideological opponents. The conversation highlights the complexities of regulatory pressure that can lead banks to close accounts to avoid compliance issues. Anthony also advocates for legislative reforms to protect vulnerable populations and ensures a more equitable banking system.

Christopher Otts, a Wall Street Journal reporter specializing in the auto industry, dives into the intricate world of tariffs and their effects on North American car manufacturers. He discusses how tariffs threaten supply chains and could lead to rising car prices. Otts also explores the competition among states for EV manufacturing, highlighting significant investments in Kentucky. The conversation reveals the unintended benefits for foreign automakers and the complicated landscape of domestic production amidst global pressures.

Christian Britschgi, a housing reform reporter at Reason, dives into the pressing need for state-level legislative reforms to tackle the American housing crisis. He highlights promising initiatives like Montana's Private Property Protection Act, which seeks to ease government restrictions. The discussion also covers a rights-based approach to zoning, the impact of stringent building codes on apartment design, and how immigration policies influence the construction workforce and housing supply. The conversation is a critical examination of innovative paths to affordable housing.

Brian Albrecht, Chief Economist at the International Center for Law & Economics, discusses the profound effects of tariff threats on business dynamics. He explains how even the mere threat of tariffs can disrupt profitable trading relationships and stifle long-term investments. Albrecht highlights the difference in impact on large versus small firms, revealing that while larger companies may adapt, smaller ones often struggle. The conversation also covers the historical context of tariff negotiations and their implications for U.S.-EU trade relations.