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.

The discussion kicks off with a critical look at Democrats struggling with messaging and the disconnection from public sentiment, especially regarding economic policies. Next, they delve into Trump's fluctuating position on Ukraine, raising concerns about U.S. foreign policy and its implications for global politics. Listeners weigh in on sovereign wealth funds and the ethics of politicians with cryptocurrencies. The conversation also brightens with cultural insights, from John Mackey's memoir to the legacy of Led Zeppelin, merging business with artistic exploration.

Justin Amash, a former Congressman renowned for his advocacy of limited government, joins the conversation. He candidly discusses the implications of Donald Trump's approach to the rule of law and the dangers of claiming presidential superiority. The chat navigates through Congress's budget failures and the complexities of Trump’s tariff policies, sparking a debate on government transparency and possible abuses of power. Amash provides a unique perspective on political dynamics, shedding light on the need for constitutional adherence.

Christian Britschgi, a Reason staff writer, dives into the ambitious initiatives of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) aiming to cut spending and reform federal agencies. The discussion highlights the tension between aggressive budget cuts and systematic improvements in government operations. They also explore the influence of viral memes, like Doge, on political perceptions. Additionally, the conversation touches on executive power dynamics during the Trump era and critiques of government transparency with regard to spending and media trust.

Guest Eric Boehm, a trade policy expert at Reason magazine, dives into the chaos of Trump's tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China. He dissects the economic ramifications, questioning their effectiveness and impact on consumer prices. The discussion touches on political motivations, historical precedents, and the tangled relationship between trade and federal budget decisions. The group shares sharp insights mixed with humor while lamenting the potential for a damaging trade war that could reshape U.S. relations with its top partners.

The podcast dives into the cultural transformation following Trump's presidency, pointing out a significant 'vibe shift' in societal attitudes. It discusses the evolving perceptions of masculinity in politics and how traditional movements are changing. The impact of new executive orders on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion roles is examined, alongside shifting cultural power dynamics. Nationalism and technology's relationship is explored, particularly in the context of far-right politics. Listener questions and cultural recommendations touch on broader implications of these shifts.

The hosts dive into the chaos of Trump's second inauguration, highlighting his contradictory messaging on immigration and governance. They scrutinize his Day 1 executive actions compared to Biden's, unraveling implications for racial equity and policy effectiveness. The discussion takes a turn toward TikTok's ban, examining data privacy dilemmas and the tension between personal freedom and government control. They also explore the Equal Rights Amendment's relevance and impact on constitutional protections, wrapping up with cultural insights and recommendations.

The discussion reveals how misguided policies have worsened the ongoing wildfire crisis in L.A., highlighting the impact of zoning laws and insurance regulation. Zuckerberg's decision to eliminate third-party fact-checking on Facebook sparks debate about media accountability. The hosts humorously examine the interplay between tech giants and government power while exploring the implications for free speech. They also reflect on political accountability in disaster scenarios and the evolving dynamics of immigrant stories, making for a thought-provoking and entertaining dialogue.

A heated debate unfolds around the H-1B visa program and its importance for innovation within the MAGA movement. The hosts dissect Biden's controversial blocking of the U.S. Steel sale to Japan, reflecting on the implications for American manufacturing. They also evaluate Jimmy Carter's legacy, focusing on his deregulation efforts and the cultural nuances of car ownership. Thoughtful discussions on the intersections of immigration, libertarian principles, and trade round out this engaging conversation.