The Reason Roundtable

Christian Britschgi, a Reason magazine reporter focused on government spending and technology policy, joins the discussion. They delve into Trump's proposal for tariffs on foreign films and its anti-consumer implications. The conversation critiques federal surveillance, particularly the Real ID mandate, and its impact on personal freedoms. Additionally, there's a spirited debate about budget cuts to education and vital programs, alongside the struggles of public broadcasting under federal funding, raising questions about artistic integrity and consumer choice.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch discuss how many current political frustrations— with tariffs, executive overreach, and economic stagnation—are vindicating longstanding libertarian critiques, even as the public resists identifying as libertarian. They also explore Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s "Make America Healthy Again" agenda. 1:34—Libertarians were right 10:06—The best case for libertarianism in the Trump era 16:52—Are the Democrats pushing a libertarian-ish agenda? 24:40—Tech leaders regret supporting President Donald Trump? 39:47—Weekly listener question: What books should libertarian ladies suggest to their book club? 47:39— What is RFK Jr. doing to "Make America Healthy Again"? 59:03— Weekly cultural recommendations We're hiring a producer for this show, find more information and submit your application here.    Mentioned in this podcast: "The Libertarian Moment," by Nick Gillespie and Matt Welch "The Libertarian Movement Needs a Kick in the Pants," by Nick Gillespie "Are Seed Oils Actually Bad for You?" by Alice Callahan "Food Freedom Is Personal Freedom," by Jeffrey A. Singer "Alton Brown: A Culinary Legend Offers Food for Thought," by Nick Gillespie "Nick Gillespie's Last Meal," by Tom Nash "[Lexi Freiman's The Book of Ayn] Punches up, down, and all around town. A great Xmas gift for Objectivists and Red Scare communistas alike, if such ppl exchange gifts," by Nick Gillespie "The Big U," by Neal Stephenson "How Media and Public Health Failed Our Kids (w/ David Zweig)," by Matt Welch "In Covid's Wake: How Our Politics Failed Us," by Stephen Macedo and Frances E. Lee "Trump's Understanding of Due Process Is Just As Farcical As His Definition of 'Alien Enemies,'" by Jacob Sullum "As the Economy Tumbles, so Does Trump's Approval Rate," by Matthew Petti "Will the 'Abundance' Agenda Make California Great Again?" By Steven Greenhut "Is This Constitutional? Here's How Due Process Works," by Billy Binion "By Openly Retaliating Against Disfavored Law Firms, Trump Attacks Free Speech and the Right to Counsel," by Jacob Sullum "The Trump Administration Continues To Attack Due Process," by C.J. Ciaramella "George Will: Brace Yourself for Donald Trump & the Authoritarian Moment," by Todd Krainin, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch "DOGE Has Been a Smashing Success," by Christian Britschgi "We Don't Need RFK Jr. To 'Make America Healthy Again,'" by Kelvey Vander Hart "Reopen the Schools!" By Robby Soave "The Accountant 2 Is a Shaggy, Silly Bro-Hangout Movie," by Peter Suderman   Upcoming Reason events: Reason Speakeasy: Robert Rosenkranz on The Stoic Capitalist, May 7, 2025 The Soho Forum Debate: Dave Smith vs. Alex Nowrasteh on Immigration, May 21, 2025 Today's sponsors: Join the 2025 Great Connections Seminar in Chicago, July 26–Aug 2.  Designed for students 16–24, this week-long experience builds the core skills of entrepreneurship: critical thinking, persuasive communication, and intellectual independence. This year's theme, "Reason and Free Will," explores great minds like Aristotle, Ayn Rand, and Jefferson—not through lectures, but in dynamic, small-group discussions that train students to lead and innovate. Outside the classroom, they'll tour Chicago's museums, try improv, and connect with ambitious peers. In a world of AI and automation, original thinking is your competitive edge. Tuition is just $800, including room and board.  Scholarships available. Apply today at www.reliancecollege.org/reason Therapy can feel like a big investment, but the state of your mind is just as important as your physical health. Let's talk numbers. Traditional in-person therapy can cost anywhere from $100 to $250 per session, which adds up fast, but with BetterHelp online therapy, you can save, on average, up to 50% per session. With BetterHelp, you pay a flat fee for weekly sessions, saving you big on cost and time. Therapy should feel accessible, not like a luxury. With online therapy, you get quality care at a price that makes sense and can help you with anything from anxiety to everyday stress. Your mental health is worth it—and now, it's within reach. With over 30,000 therapists, BetterHelp is the world's largest online therapy platform, having served over 5 million people globally. It's convenient, too. You can join a session with the click of a button, helping you fit therapy into your busy life. Plus, switch therapists at any time. Your well-being is worth it. Visit betterhelp.com/roundtable today to get 10% off your first month. Video Editor: Ian KeyserThe post Trump's Independent Voter Problem appeared first on Reason.com.

The discussion kicks off with a reflection on Pope Francis's legacy and his critiques of capitalism. The hosts dive into the implications of Trump's de-prioritization of due process in deportations and how it clashes with recent Supreme Court rulings. Harvard's federal funding status raises eyebrows, revealing tensions between education and government control. They also explore absurdities of current political dynamics, touching on cultural phenomena like AI advancements and space tourism, all while maintaining a humorous tone.

Mary Katharine Ham, a witty libertarian commentator known for her insightful takes on CNN, joins a lively discussion about Trump's fraught trade war with China. They dissect the true impact of tariffs on U.S. manufacturing, raising concerns about the middle class's fate. The conversation takes a deep dive into the complexities of labor market struggles and the disconnect between Americans' desires for factory jobs and the reality of factory life. Throughout, they explore the pitfalls of government spending and the narratives surrounding trade deficits.

The hosts dive into the economic impact of Trump's tariffs, unraveling how they affect everyday items from avocados to game consoles. They explore the role of Congress and the courts in challenging these policies and discuss wealthy influencers like Elon Musk potentially reversing them. The conversation turns to public health, highlighting the cuts to vaccine departments amidst rising skepticism. With humor and anecdotes, the group debates the ripple effects of these tariffs on consumer prices and calls for critical scrutiny of political power.

Join a lively discussion on government efficiency and the playful concept of a DOGE dance party! The conversation dives into new car tariffs announced by Trump, criticizing their impact on everyday Americans. They tackle the complexities of due process in immigration and reflect on free speech in today's climate. With humor, they dissect Trump's unique approach to politics and culture, celebrating the legacy of the late Manny Klausner, while also exploring the influence of Willie Nelson's music on American identity.

In a captivating discussion, Andrew Sullivan, a renowned political commentator and author, dives into President Trump's contentious legal battles. They explore how Trump's deportations often ignore due process and spark tensions with the judiciary. Sullivan offers insights on the absurd notion of Canada becoming the 51st state while reflecting on COVID-19 lies propagated by top officials. The conversation balances humor and serious critiques, delving into the complexities of immigration policy and the intersection of executive power and civil liberties.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch explain why eliminating the Department of Education entirely is long overdue.   02:52—Trump administration cuts to the Department of Education 25:55—Mahmoud Khalil detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement 37:13—Weekly listener question 45:22—Lightning round: Congress passes a continuing resolution budget deal 53:41—This week's cultural recommendations   Mentioned in this podcast: "Is This the Beginning of the End for the Department of Education?" by Emma Camp "DOE Set To Die," by Liz Wolfe "U.S. Attorney Threatens Georgetown Law for 'Teaching DEI,'" by Emma Camp "Abolish the Department of Education," by Neal McCluskey "The Next President Should Abolish Everything," by Katherine Mangu-Ward "The Ever-Shifting Politics of the Department of Education," by Jesse Walker "An Education in Empire Building," by John Fund and Martin Wooster "Mahmoud Khalil Is an Easy Call," by Robby Soave "Mahmoud Khalil, the Great Rorschach Test," by Liz Wolfe "Is it Constitutional To Deport Immigrants for Political Speech?" by Jack Nicastro "The Case Against Deporting Immigrants for "Pro-Terrorist" Speech [Updated]," by Ilya Somin "Who Is the Palestinian Columbia Student Detained For His Protest Activity?" by Matthew Petti "Trump Administration Deports Alleged Venezuelan Gang Members Despite Court Order," by Katarina Hall "The House's Budget Bill Cuts Earmarks, but Spending Will Be Going Up Anyway," by Jeff Luse "The House GOP Budget Blueprint Promises More Borrowing, More Debt, and Not Enough Spending Cuts," by Eric Boehm "Rand Paul: Businesses and Workers Think Tariffs Are a Bad Idea," by Robby Soave "Rep. Thomas Massie: 'We don't really have 218 conservatives here [who] meant what they said when they said they wanted to repeal Obamacare,'" by Matt Welch "Rand Paul: Budget Deal Should Be Renamed 'The Status Quo Protection Act,'" by Matt Welch "House Republicans Voted To Keep the Government Working," by Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole "COPS on Hiatus?" by Nick Gillespie "Renowned British Writer, a Virulent Anti-Semite, Being Considered for Sainthood," by Robert Philpot "The Back of the World," by Adam Gopnik   Reason Speakeasy: Is Satire Still Possible? March 20, New York City   Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.   Today's sponsor: Do you know a student looking for a transformative opportunity that supports the foundations of a free society? Reliance College invites students aged 16 to 24 to the 2025 Great Connections Seminar in Chicago, from July 26th to August 2nd. This year's theme, "Reason and Free Will," dives into timeless ideas from writers such as Thomas Jefferson, Ayn Rand, and Aristotle. Students sharpen critical thinking in small, dynamic groups, developing the intellectual tools needed to thrive in a free society. Outside the classroom, they'll explore Chicago's vibrant culture—touring museums, trying improv comedy, and building lifelong connections. Parents, this program equips students to think, reason, and act independently. Go to reliancecollege.org/reason to learn more and apply. Registration is just $800, including room and board for the full week, with scholarships available. Don't miss out! Visit www.reliancecollege.org/reason to learn more and apply. Audio production by Ian Keyser Assistant production by Hunt Beaty Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve Video Editor: Ian KeyserProducer: Hunt BeatyThe post Why We Don't Need the Department of Education appeared first on Reason.com.

The hosts dive into President Trump's tumultuous tariff policies and their chaotic impact on the economy, comparing them to a tech support reboot. They discuss homeownership, questioning its necessity in the modern world, and highlight the challenges of renting versus owning. The conversation also touches on the effects of the pandemic on public trust and the educational system. Finally, the group tackles the intriguing realm of conspiracy theories, linking them to historical narratives and the cultural landscape in today's America.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch react to last week's dramatic exchange in the White House over the war in Ukraine between President Donald Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.   04:08—Trump and Zelenskyy clash in the Oval Office 27:30—House Republicans agree to increase federal budget deficit 40:32—Weekly listener question 47:18—Lightning round: National Security Agency sex chats, measles in Texas, and the Epstein files 55:29—This week's cultural recommendations   Mentioned in this podcast: "Say Thank You," by Liz Wolfe "NATO Could Effectively Die This June," by Matt Welch "Ukraine Minerals Deal Won't Fix America's Mineral Problem," by Jeff Luse "U.K. Pledges To Support Ukraine After Trump Snubs Zelenskyy," by Joe Lancaster "Ukraine Will Fight On, With or Without the West," by Paul Schwennesen "After the War," by Matt Welch "The House GOP Budget Blueprint Promises More Borrowing, More Debt, and Not Enough Spending Cuts," by Eric Boehm "The New Republican Budget Plan Is Unserious," by Veronique de Rugy "How GOP Fiscal Sanity Died, in 7 Easy Steps," by Matt Welch "Unvaccinated Kid Dies of Measles in Texas," by Ronald Bailey "So Much For RFK, Jr.'s Promise of 'Radical Transparency' at HHS," by Ronald Bailey "The Sad Quest for a Secret 'Epstein Client List,'" by Matthew Petti   Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.   Today's sponsors: Do you know a student looking for a transformative opportunity that supports the foundations of a free society? Reliance College invites students aged 16 to 24 to the 2025 Great Connections Seminar in Chicago, from July 26th to August 2nd. This year's theme, "Reason and Free Will," dives into timeless ideas from writers such as Thomas Jefferson, Ayn Rand, and Aristotle. Students sharpen critical thinking in small, dynamic groups, developing the intellectual tools needed to thrive in a free society. Outside the classroom, they'll explore Chicago's vibrant culture—touring museums, trying improv comedy, and building lifelong connections. Parents, this program equips students to think, reason, and act independently. Go to reliancecollege.org/reason to learn more and apply. Registration is just $800, including room and board for the full week, with scholarships available. Don't miss out! Visit www.reliancecollege.org/reason to learn more and apply.   Are you being lied to? They tell you to max out your 401(k) and IRA, and then make you beg for permission to use your own money! It's time to get the truth and discover a better way to grow and protect your money! Bank On Yourself is the proven retirement plan alternative banks and Wall Street desperately hope you never hear about. You're in control. You get access to your money for emergencies and opportunities with no questions asked! There are no government penalties or restrictions on how much or when you can take it. And when you use your money, it keeps growing like you never touched it! Try doing that with a 401(k) or IRA…you can't! You can get a free report that reveals how you can Bank On Yourself and enjoy tax-free retirement income, guaranteed growth, and control of your money. Just go to https://www.bankonyourself.com/roundtable. Audio production by Ian Keyser Assistant production by Hunt Beaty Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve Video Editor: Ian KeyserProducer: Hunt BeatyThe post Trump vs. Zelenskyy: Democracy Dies in Drama? appeared first on Reason.com.