Lever Time

This is Part 1 of Tax Revolt, a new mini-series from Lever Time revealing how free-market radicals hijacked American politics and set the stage for Elon Musk, DOGE and Donald Trump’s presidency.Want more? Become a paid subscriber to get ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus content — and support independent journalism: levernews.com/subscribePlus, read a bonus companion article about the anti-tax zealot behind Proposition 13, written by producer Ariella Markowitz. 

Dive into the intriguing history of the Republican Party's anti-tax sentiment. Discover how a select group of conservatives transformed tax cuts for the wealthy from a fringe idea to a mainstream rallying cry. Explore the economic consequences of this shift, including its effects on inequality and public services. Unpack the evolution of tax policy in America since the 1980s and understand the profound benefits this movement has brought to the rich, shaping current political landscapes.

Shawn Fain, the President of the United Auto Workers, advocates for blue-collar rights and critiques harmful trade policies. He discusses the detrimental effects of Trump’s tariffs versus their intended benefits for manufacturing workers. Fain reflects on how decades of free trade have alienated Democrats from the labor movement, urging a re-evaluation of trade policies. He underscores the vital role of American manufacturing in national security and argues for maintaining union independence in political advocacy amid shifting labor dynamics.

Peter Goodman, a veteran New York Times reporter and author, discusses the repercussions of Trump's new tariffs on imports, which aim to fulfill campaign promises but may disrupt the global economy. He highlights the historical context of trade policies and their impact on American workers, contrasting past agreements with current challenges. Goodman dives into the ethical concerns surrounding tariff exemptions and critiques the approach of imposing tariffs without a clear strategy, raising questions about their true effectiveness and potential for corruption.

Katya Schwenk and Luke Goldstein, reporters at The Lever, dive into Delaware's longstanding status as a corporate haven. They discuss the fierce competition it's facing from other states like Nevada and Texas, all while examining a controversial bill that could shield corporate executives from accountability. The conversation highlights the growing influence of oligarchs on legislation and the implications for democracy. Plus, they tackle how Elon Musk's actions could exacerbate the situation, making clear that Delaware's fate might affect everyone.

Alvaro Bedoya, FTC Commissioner and legal challenger to President Trump's recent actions, discusses the alarming implications of Trump's moves to fire independent regulators. Bedoya emphasizes the critical role of independent agencies in maintaining fair markets and preventing corruption. He likens the firings to Nixon's infamous purge, warning that consolidating presidential power risks transforming governance into a corrupt monarchy. The conversation touches on the precarious state of consumer protections and the challenges faced by small businesses amidst political influence.

Does Donald Trump have what it takes to challenge Big Tech? Despite the elevation of Silicon Valley billionaires and insiders within his administration, the Department of Justice is still pursuing antitrust cases against Google and Microsoft. But some worry these efforts may be too little, too late. Today, technologies owned and operated by Alphabet, Meta, Amazon, and Microsoft are so deeply embedded in society that it’s hard to imagine life without them. It’s a situation that has caught the eyes of regulators and politicians, sometimes resulting in unexpected political alliances. Today on Lever Time, Senior Podcast Producer Arjun Singh sits down with several current and former regulators, including recently dismissed Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Chair Rohit Chopra, to learn how the tech sector is rapidly changing society at the expense of the working class — and what the government can do to stop it.

Chris Deluzio, a progressive Democratic representative from Pennsylvania, advocates for embracing Trump's tariffs to reconnect with working-class voters. He believes the party's neglect of economic issues has cost them electoral success. Joined by reporter Amos Barshad, they discuss the historical prioritization of unregulated free markets over workers' rights, the influence of billionaires in politics, and the urgent need for a bold economic agenda that truly represents everyday Americans.

Kate Aronoff, a staff writer at The New Republic and author, joins climate reporter Kendra Pierre-Louis, meteorologist Lauren Casey, and journalist MacDella Mascal for an insightful discussion on the urgent realities of climate change. They explore the normalization of extreme weather events, the importance of local impacts, and how cultural narratives shape perceptions of climate action. The conversation touches on creative communication, the role of humor, and community resilience, emphasizing the critical need for awareness and engagement in the fight against climate change.

Bill McGee, a senior fellow for aviation at the American Economic Liberties Project, dives into recent airline disasters and the implications for aviation safety. He discusses how incidents like crashes and mishaps may be skewing public perception of air travel. McGee highlights the struggles of the FAA, deemed the “Tombstone Agency,” due to chronic understaffing and political pressure. He also addresses the outsourcing of maintenance checks and the repercussions of layoffs on safety, stressing urgent reforms needed to protect passengers.