The Reason Roundtable

This week, the discussion centers on a recent U.S. military strike on Iran, raising concerns about the gap between anti-war promises and aggressive foreign policy. The hosts debate whether any intervention is justifiable and analyze the troubling trend of Congress surrendering its war powers. They also tackle listener questions about public land privatization and explore the complexities of the NYC mayoral race between Andrew Cuomo and Zoran Mamdani, shedding light on big city governance challenges.

Matthew Petti, a Reason reporter who specializes in foreign policy, joins the discussion to analyze Israel's recent strike on Iran. He shares insights on the potential for escalating tensions in the Middle East and examines America's role in the conflict. The conversation also touches on the alarming rise of political violence in Minnesota and the nation, as well as the libertarian perspectives on anti-ICE protests and immigration policies under Trump. Petti navigates the complexities of diplomacy in a turbulent geopolitical landscape.

This week, Eric Boehm, a Reason reporter, joins the conversation to dissect the political fallout from Trump's immigration raids and the unrest these actions ignited in Los Angeles. They delve into the complex responses from political leaders and public sentiment surrounding immigration policies. The discussion also touches on the dramatic clash between Trump and Elon Musk over a spending bill, and explores the evolving landscape of drone warfare, especially in Ukraine, highlighting the technological advancements and debates surrounding modern military tactics.

The hosts dive into how artificial intelligence is changing everything from jobs to education, with oddities like AI-generated Darth Vader in Fortnite. They dissect the unsettling blend of excitement and fear surrounding AI's impact on youth and employment. The discussion shifts to politics, questioning why Democrats struggle to connect with young men. Wrapping up, they touch on President Trump's trade policy twists and the complexities of budget issues. Get ready for a wild ride through the fantastical and daunting realms of AI and modern politics!

Mike Pesca, a centrist podcaster from The Gist, joins the conversation to discuss the Trump administration's escalating conflict with Harvard University. They explore concerns about government overreach in education and its implications for civil liberties. The talk also touches on the ethics of taxation on college endowments and critiques Trump's use of federal power to target perceived enemies. Additionally, corruption linked to Trump's memecoin venture raises eyebrows, sparking a lively debate on political integrity.

The conversation kicks off with a sharp critique of Trump's proposed tax legislation and the questionable MAGA baby bond initiative. The hosts delve into how changes to the SALT deduction could benefit the wealthy while bugging fiscal responsibility. They discuss the potential implications of the Supreme Court's stance on birthright citizenship and tariffs' impact on consumers. There's a heated debate around economic inequality data and media portrayals of Biden's health, underscoring the need for transparency in governance. Cultural reflections round out the discussion.

The discussion kicks off with Elon Musk's retreat from the DOGE initiative, revealing its failures in achieving real government efficiency. The panel critiques the GOP's tax plan, suggesting it contradicts fiscal responsibility. They dive into the struggles of classical liberalism in today’s sociopolitical climate, reflecting on how libertarians engage in cultural battles without state power. Furthermore, debates on improving U.S. manufacturing and the complexities of drug pricing bring interesting insights to the forefront alongside playful cultural commentary.

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.