Cato Daily Podcast

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.

Elizabeth Nolan Brown, Senior Editor at Reason, delves into the complex intersection of sex work and sex trafficking, focusing on the implications of Commonwealth v. Garafalo. She discusses how law enforcement often confuses consensual sex work with trafficking, leading to wrongful arrests. The conversation examines the problematic Nordic model, which sees sex workers as victims, and evaluates recent legislative efforts aimed at decriminalizing sex work, advocating for individual autonomy and clearer legal distinctions.

Judge Glock, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute and expert on water regulation, dives into the complexities of EPA oversight on local water systems. He argues for ending federal control as the costs of compliance burden municipalities. Glock highlights the impending debate over water fluoridation, discussing its economic implications and the tension between clean water mandates and local accountability. He critiques the one-size-fits-all federal approach, noting it often ignores the unique circumstances of local communities.

Walter Olson, a Senior Fellow at the Cato Institute, dives into the Trump administration's contentious relationship with legal norms. He discusses how ongoing executive actions may not just be oversights but strategic moves against established laws. Olson highlights the potential implications on governance, especially regarding immigration and civil service protections. He raises concerns over the judiciary's role in mitigating these actions and suggests that this could lead to a constitutional crisis, testing the limits of executive power.

Jennifer Schulp, a financial regulation expert at the Cato Institute, and Norbert Michel, vice president and director of financial alternatives at Cato, dive into the urgent need for Congress to enhance financial privacy and innovation. They discuss a recent executive order benefiting digital assets and its implications for cryptocurrency policy. The pair also advocate for reforming the Bank Secrecy Act, improving Federal Reserve accountability, and the crucial micro-offering exemption, promoting small business growth while addressing the housing crisis with actionable recommendations.

Nicholas Reville, Director of CASPR and an expert in addiction medicine, discusses the promising use of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic in combating addiction. He argues for wider access to these medications, highlighting their potential to mitigate cravings linked to substance use disorders. The conversation touches on the off-label use of these drugs, the importance of ongoing research, and the role of compounding pharmacies in improving accessibility. Reville also calls for policy changes to encourage more pharmaceutical investment in addiction treatments, likening it to the impact of Narcan.