Trump’s Tariff Disaster
Summary
This episode features David Frum and trade historian Douglas Irwin dissecting the economic and political fallout of Donald Trump's protectionist tariff policies. They argue that tariffs primarily function as a regressive tax, burdening ordinary Americans while failing to boost domestic manufacturing or fix trade deficits. The discussion also debunks historical myths surrounding tariffs, like their supposed role in industrial growth or the Great Depression, highlighting their true cost in fostering corruption, eroding alliances, and stifling overall economic prosperity.Episode description
On this episode of The David Frum Show, The Atlantic’s David Frum examines how protectionism, once a fringe idea in U.S. politics, became central to modern Republican trade policy. He traces how President Donald Trump made tariffs a political weapon, and why these policies continue to carry political appeal despite their economic cost.
Then David is joined by the historian and trade expert Doug Irwin for a conversation about what tariffs actually do. Irwin explains how protectionist policies have repeatedly backfired in American history, why they persist, and how the U.S. abandoned the bipartisan free-trade consensus that lasted for nearly a century. The two discuss who really pays for tariffs, why tariffs rarely achieve their stated goals, and what it would take to rebuild political support for open markets.
Get more from your favorite Atlantic voices when you subscribe. You’ll enjoy unlimited access to Pulitzer-winning journalism, from clear-eyed analysis and insight on breaking news to fascinating explorations of our world. Subscribe today at TheAtlantic.com/listener.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices