Trumponomics

Anna Wong, Bloomberg's Chief US Economist, and Saleha Mohsin, Washington correspondent, dive deep into the implications of Kevin Hassett potentially becoming the next Fed chair. They discuss Trump's motives for choosing Hassett, the potential challenges of his White House ties on credibility, and what it could mean for interest rates and market reactions. The duo also explore concerns about Fed independence and how AI-driven productivity could influence future policy decisions, while emphasizing the power dynamics within the Fed under Hassett's leadership.

Vivian Balakrishnan, Singapore's Foreign Minister and a seasoned diplomat, discusses the evolving landscape of global trade amid rising geopolitical tensions. He describes the U.S. retreat from its postwar role as a 'messy transition' and coins the term 'geopolitical climate change' to explain shifting global dynamics. Balakrishnan emphasizes the importance of new trade coalitions and highlights ASEAN's potential for deeper economic ties. He concludes with optimism, noting that many nations still seek rules-based integration to counteract instability.

Join Brad Setser, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations specializing in global trade, and Anna Wong, Bloomberg Economics' Chief U.S. Economist, as they dissect the enigma of Trump's tariffs. They explore who really bears the burden of these levies and the surprising resilience of larger firms. The discussion reveals how tariffs may not be yielding the expected outcomes on the trade deficit and inflation. Discover the hidden impacts on smaller businesses and the broader macroeconomic landscape, all while pondering the quirks of trade policy.

Join Annie Lowrey, a staff writer at The Atlantic and affordability expert, and Nancy Cook, a senior political correspondent at Bloomberg, as they explore how the theme of affordability is reshaping U.S. politics. They discuss the shift from Trump's slogan to a potent Democratic strategy, the impact of inflation and rising costs on public perception, and why practical policies like universal childcare could appeal to voters. They also delve into the diverse approaches of Democratic candidates versus the more uniform Republican strategy.

Rahm Emanuel, former White House Chief of Staff and Chicago Mayor, shares his vision for a pro-America economic agenda, arguing that the American dream is now unaffordable. He discusses the need for education reform to drive growth and the importance of investing in strategic industries like AI and biotech. Emanuel critiques Trump’s divisive tactics and emphasizes the need for unity over disorder. He also explores fiscal discipline and suggests policies for immigration reform, positioning himself as a potential presidential candidate.

Felipe Hernández, an experienced economist at Bloomberg Economics, and Alex Vásquez, a Mexico City-based government reporter, delve into Mexico's economic landscape amid Trump's trade turbulence. They discuss how Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico’s first female president, has skillfully navigated tense tariff threats through quiet diplomacy. The duo analyzes the implications of U.S.-Mexico supply chain integration, the effects of tariffs on investment and exports, and prospects for Mexico’s growth, including potential diversification strategies and initiatives like proposed tariffs on China.

Join Mishal Husain as she dives deep into the minds of world leaders, business moguls, and cultural icons. She reflects on her BBC career and shares unforgettable political interview highlights. Expect tough questions that challenge leaders and a sneak peek into engaging conversations with creators like Jesse Armstrong and Shonda Rhimes. With a focus on head, heart, and soul, this podcast promises essential conversations that reveal the changing landscape of our world.

Arthur Kroeber, co-founder of Gavekal Dragonomics and author, dives into the intricacies of the US-China trade war. He reveals how recent events have tilted power dynamics in favor of Beijing, especially through their control of rare-earth exports. Kroeber discusses the concept of 'weaponized interdependence,' illustrating how both nations are leveraging their economic ties as tools of power. He also highlights the complexities multinational companies face, from rising compliance costs to strategic uncertainties, all amid a backdrop of mutual deterrence.

Bill Dudley, former president of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and Bloomberg Opinion columnist, shares insider insights on central banking. He discusses the Fed's tightrope act of managing sticky inflation while facing labor market challenges. Dudley highlights the looming threats to Fed independence due to political pressures, particularly from Donald Trump. He elaborates on how AI and tariffs may impact inflation forecasts and warns against the consequences of a politicized central bank on future economic stability.

In this engaging discussion, Jason Furman, former chair of President Obama’s Council of Economic Advisors and now a Harvard professor, dives deep into the implications of soaring government debt. He evaluates the U.S. debt landscape and warns of a potential debt-interest spiral. Furman highlights the critical role of Social Security and Medicare in fiscal solvency. Additionally, the conversation touches on market vulnerabilities versus U.S. resilience, the impact of quantitative easing, and the evolving landscape of digital currencies and tariffs in stabilizing fiscal health.