Cato Podcast

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.

Jennifer Huddleston, a senior fellow in technology policy, and Brent Skorup, a legal fellow specializing in communications law, dive into pressing issues surrounding government regulation. They unpack FCC Chair Brendan Carr's controversial ultimatum to broadcasters and how it poses potential First Amendment concerns. The discussion spans the evolving landscape of TikTok, AI policy, and calls for deregulating broadcast rules, while also exploring the implications of government pressure on corporate transactions and whether the FCC should be reformed or abolished.

Hester Peirce, SEC Commissioner since 2018, shares her insights on the erosion of financial privacy in America. She criticizes tools like the Consolidated Audit Trail for compromising constitutional rights while advocating for principles-based regulation that promotes innovation. Peirce explores how emerging technologies can empower individuals to regain control over their financial data, challenging the oppressive nature of current financial surveillance. The conversation also delves into balancing market-driven innovation against regulatory frameworks.

Emily Ekins, Director of polling at the Cato Institute, and Ian Vásquez, Director of Cato's Center for Global Liberty and Prosperity, delve into the chilling effects of political violence on free speech in America. They explore public opinion trends and ideological divides, particularly after the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Switching gears, Ian discusses the implications of Milei's electoral setback in Argentina and the resilience of Peronism. Together, they reveal a more complex picture of political tolerance and the battle for reform in Latin America.

Kenneth Corvo, an associate professor of social work at Syracuse University, delves into the hidden issues of higher education spending. He reveals how for-profit partnerships can divert funds away from instruction, leading to a staggering imbalance between administrators and faculty. The conversation highlights the growing emphasis on compliance and student experience roles over educational integrity. Corvo proposes increased transparency in tuition allocation, urging universities to disclose how student dollars are spent, ultimately questioning the core mission of education.

Brandon Buck, a Research Fellow at the Cato Institute and historian of U.S. foreign policy, joins the discussion. They dive into the significance of renaming the Pentagon to the Department of War and its implications for America’s foreign policy. The panel critiques recent budget negotiations and explores the urgency of fiscal responsibility. Buck also addresses the historical context of the 'America First' movement and how perceptions of threats, like cartels, shape current military strategies. The conversation is both timely and thought-provoking.

Dominic Lett, a fiscal policy expert, argues that entitlement programs like Social Security and Medicare are causing unsustainable national debt. He debates with Norbert Michel on whether fiscal or monetary policy presents a larger threat. They discuss the risks of 'fiscal dominance' after the 2008 economic crisis and stress the urgent need for structural reforms. Both agree that without political restraint, the U.S. economy faces dire consequences, highlighting the complexities of navigating today's fiscal and monetary challenges.

Join Jeffrey A. Singer, a seasoned surgeon and health policy expert, alongside Scott Lincicome, a trade policy guru. They tackle pressing issues like the uproar at the CDC, questioning the need for a Surgeon General, and dissect a critical ruling declaring Trump's global tariffs illegal. The conversation reveals the politicization of vaccine policies and advocates for local health decision-making. Plus, they share insights on innovative governance solutions, providing a fresh take on public health in a free society.

Travis Fisher, Director of Energy and Environmental Policy Studies at Cato and former Department of Energy employee, discusses his role in an influential climate report. He highlights the importance of diverse scientific perspectives in climate debates. The conversation reveals how the EPA's 2009 endangerment finding affects U.S. regulations and emphasizes the need for sound economic arguments in environmental policy. Fisher advocates for a return to Congressional authority for more stable climate regulations, sparking a call for open dialogue in climate discussions.

Norbert Michel, an expert on money and finance, and Justin Logan, a defense and foreign affairs analyst, dive into the implications of Trump’s CHIPS Act and its potential for state capitalism. They debate how this role of government in the economy may threaten American liberty while discussing energy behind U.S. diplomatic efforts in Ukraine. The conversation reveals the complexities of military involvement abroad and critiques the risks of cronyism in politics, all while trying to find silver linings in a challenging policy landscape.