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!

In this engaging discussion, Prof. Richard Wolff, co-founder of Democracy at Work, dives into the alarming trend of privatizing essential public services, including the Post Office. He critiques the motives of billionaires like Trump and Musk, arguing that such moves threaten economic equity and worker rights. Wolff also contrasts the U.S. with countries like Denmark and France, highlighting the inadequacies of American capitalism in providing social benefits. A compelling call for prioritizing public welfare over profit makes this conversation both timely and necessary.

The discussion highlights the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, emphasizing the urgent need for aid and solidarity. A mass march in Washington, D.C. is being organized to demand justice and challenge systemic oppression. The conversation also addresses the severe threats to free speech for students who voice dissenting opinions, particularly regarding Israel. It draws alarming parallels to historical events, underscoring the need for collective action to protect activists like Mahmoud Khalid, who faces legal challenges and potential deportation.

Ben Norton, an investigative journalist in Beijing and editor of Geopolitical Economy Report, discusses the ongoing economic war between the US and China. He reveals China's resilience in the face of severe sanctions and tariffs. Norton emphasizes the shifting attitudes of Chinese parents towards US educational institutions due to increasing xenophobia. He critiques GDP as an inadequate measure of well-being and explores the implications of U.S. foreign policy on global perceptions. The conversation also addresses the rise of China as a formidable alternative to U.S. financial dominance.

In this engaging discussion, Richard Wolff, a professor and co-founder of Democracy at Work, dives into Elon Musk's alarming proposals regarding Social Security and critiques the Trump administration's cuts to this crucial program. He highlights the historical significance of Social Security and warns of the ongoing threats it faces today. Wolff emphasizes the broader implications of capitalism, illustrating how economic policies disproportionately affect the working class and questioning the government's role in perpetuating systemic inequalities.

Two nights ago, Israel shattered the ceasefire with Palestine, killing more than 400 people in Gaza, with more bombings that today were followed with a new ground invasion. Donald Trump bombed Yemen and is threatening war with Iran, a formidable and large country with a very strong military. Is a regional war coming?Brian is joined by Professor Mohammad Marandi, an expert on American studies who teaches at the University of Tehran.Please make an urgently-needed contribution to The Socialist Program by joining our Patreon community at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram. We rely on the generous support of our listeners to keep bringing you consistent, high-quality shows. All Patreon donors of $5 a month or more are invited to join and submit questions to the monthly Q&A seminar with Brian.

On today's episode, Brian and Prof. Richard Wolff discuss Trump's demands that European countries double their military spending, and the new German government has embraced the open remilitarization of Germany--a major shift in policy for Germany since the defeat of Hitler and Nazism in 1945.Professor Richard Wolff is an author & co-founder of the organization Democracy at Work. You can find his work at rdwolff.com.Join the The Socialist Program community at www.patreon.com/thesocialistprogram. We rely on the generous support of our listeners to keep bringing you consistent, high-quality shows. All Patreon donors of $5 a month or more are invited to join and submit questions to the monthly Q&A seminar with Brian.

Brian is joined by Layan Sima Fuleihan -- a Palestinian organizer with the Shut It Down for Palestine coalition, a popular educator, the Education Director at The People’s Forum, and an editor at 1804 Books -- in a discussion of what Russia seeks in a peace deal to end the Ukraine war. They also discuss Trump's false usage of the Enemy Aliens Act against Venezuelans and the Maduro government, the growing free speech fight over the illegal arrest and detention of Mahmoud Khalil, and the wave of repression against Palestine solidarity activists on college campuses. 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.

When Trump ordered the arrest and deportation of Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil in New York City, he didn't expect it would trigger a mass movement in his defense. Millions of people understand it as an epic battle over free speech and the right to organize in solidarity with the Palestinian people.Brian is joined by Layan Sima Fuleihan, a Palestinian organizer, popular educator, and Education Director at The People’s Forum. Both were at the rally today outside the courthouse where Khalil's attorneys challenged ICE's removal of Khalil to Louisiana.Join the The Socialist Program community at www.patreon.com/thesocialistprogram. We rely on the generous support of our listeners to keep bringing you consistent, high-quality shows. All Patreon donors of $5 a month or more are invited to join and submit questions to the monthly Q&A seminar with Brian.