The Socialist Program with Brian Becker

The podcast dives into the Trump administration's alarming military strategies aimed at U.S. citizens. It highlights the challenges faced by immigrant sanctuary cities amidst rising organized labor protests. The discussion also tackles the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the urgent need for activism against oppressive policies. Activism shines through in the narratives of May Day protests, showcasing a united front against authoritarianism, emphasizing the power of grassroots organization in the struggle for justice.

Richard Wolff, an accomplished author and co-founder of Democracy at Work, joins to dissect the unfolding U.S.-China trade war. He highlights how recent Chinese announcements signal a shift in global power dynamics, indicating that China is unphased by U.S. tariffs. The discussion links historical trade practices to contemporary issues, illuminating the negative impact of tariffs on American farmers and the broader economic divide. Wolff also critiques Trump's nostalgic economic policies and their potential favoring of the wealthy over working-class interests.

Trump is feeling the heat as his administration backs off tariffs, raising questions about economic strategy. The discussion shifts to student visa cancellations and the backlash they've sparked. Legal threats loom over students protesting the Gaza situation, reflecting a tense political climate. Amid all this, Musk's Tesla profits take a dive, complicating the economic landscape even further. The complexities of tariffs and trade wars reveal their impact on inflation and supply shortages, provoking sharp critiques from various quarters.

Join Richard Wolff, an influential economist and co-founder of Democracy at Work, as he dives into the chaos of Trump’s trade policies. He discusses how these strategies might not only unsettle the stock market but also spark a 'capital war.' The conversation expands to explore the U.S.'s shift from a safe investment destination to a zone of economic uncertainty. Wolff critiques the intertwined narratives of politics and media, warning of America's declining global influence and the potential repercussions of aggressive foreign policies.

Brian Becker and Layan Fuleihan break down Trump’s doubling down on deportations – including potential plans to deport U.S. citizens, Rubio’s signal of a possible pivot away from the war in Ukraine, new developments in the Gaza genocide, and how socialists should relate to the new wave of the anti-Trump movement.This is a preview of a patrons-only episode. Subscribe at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram to hear the full episode, get access to all our patrons-only content including live Q&A seminars with Brian Becker, and help keep this show on the air.

Richard Wolff, an influential author and co-founder of Democracy at Work, joins to dissect Trump's escalating trade war with China. They explore how the chaotic tariff policies may be backfiring and leading to the U.S.'s political isolation. Wolff addresses the shifting power dynamics in global trade and the fallout for American universities under political pressure. He critiques the illusion of tariffs as a solution for the working class, exposing the deeper issues within capitalism that remain unaddressed.

The discussion delves into Trump's potential policy shifts regarding Gaza and his alarming tactics affecting immigrants in the U.S. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is highlighted, emphasizing the dire need for supplies and ceasefire negotiations. The conversation also stresses the economic contributions of undocumented workers while denouncing the punitive measures targeting them. Lastly, the impact of visa revocations on international students, particularly those involved in pro-Palestine activism, reveals a disturbing trend in the current political climate.

Eugene Puryear, an insightful author and political organizer, dives deep into the impact of Trump's aggressive tariffs on China. He reveals the staggering $7 trillion stock market loss that followed the trade war announcement and critiques the misleading narrative around job creation linked to these tariffs. Puryear connects historical policies with today's economic upheavals, examining the exploitative nature of capitalism and its effects on the working class. The discussion emphasizes the urgent need for a renewed socialist movement to challenge these systemic issues.

In this engaging discussion, Professor Richard Wolff, an author and co-founder of Democracy at Work, dives into the aftermath of Trump's significant tariffs that led to a staggering $5 trillion stock market loss. He analyzes the worries of billionaires amidst economic volatility and the precarious balance Trump must maintain to satisfy wealthy backers. The conversation further unpacks the escalating U.S.-China trade tensions and critiques the misleading optimism from politicians about economic stability, revealing the profound implications for the working class.

The recent loss of Musk's candidate in Wisconsin raises questions about political trends in the U.S. and critical issues like abortion rights. With Tesla's sales declining, protests are gaining momentum against corporate power. Discussions also delve into the impactful March for Palestine and critiques of NATO's role, advocating for an anti-imperialist unity. Plus, there's a focus on the risk of war with Iran and addressing homelessness in Asheville, highlighting how a socialist approach could make a difference. Get ready for engaging insights!