Share

cover art for Capital expense: the political cost of Donald Trump’s tariffs

Checks and Balance from The Economist

Capital expense: the political cost of Donald Trump’s tariffs

Donald Trump’s about face on tariffs may show his weakening appetite for political risk. His approval rating is falling faster than it did in his first term. There are signs his tariffs and broader handling of the economy could force more of his supporters to defect. Is the president still susceptible to political approval? Or does the second term president feel emboldened to rule as he chooses, without political checks on his power? 


John Prideaux hosts with Charlotte Howard and Idrees Kahloon. They’re joined by Economist data journalist Daniella Raz and U.S. Economics Editor Simon Rabinovitch. 


Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts


Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+  

For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.



More episodes

View all episodes

  • 297. Blue scare: the rising Democratic Socialists

    49:51||Ep. 297
    The Democratic Socialists of America are on the brink of capturing real power for the first time. But ahead of Zohran Mamdani’s probable election as New York mayor, the DSA has made its positions more politically palatable to a broader electorate. Is the DSA trying to ready itself for a greater role in American politics, beyond New York?John Prideaux hosts with Charlotte Howard and James Bennet.Features a clip from Paramount Pictures. Runtime: 49.51Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+  For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.
  • 296. Turning point: USA

    35:14||Ep. 296
    The assassination of Charlie Kirk comes after a string of political violence in the United States. The conservative activist was shot dead on Wednesday. Are America’s political leaders willing to try and lower tensions to prevent further violence?John Prideaux hosts with Charlotte Howard and James Bennet.Runtime: 35.14Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+  For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.
  • 295. Disorganised chaos: why Democrats can’t stand up to Donald Trump

    50:56||Ep. 295
    Trump’s approval rating is low, but it is higher than the Democratic Party's. Less than one year since losing the White House, the opposition party has failed to unite behind a common message and stand up to Trump. What makes it so hard? John Prideaux hosts with Charlotte Howard and James Bennet.Runtime: 50.56Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+  For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.
  • 294. Interventionist isolationist: Donald Trump and Brazil

    51:05||Ep. 294
    Donald Trump slapped 50% tariffs on Brazilian goods in early August. He did so because the country will soon begin a trial prosecuting its former strongman, and Trump ally, Jair Bolsonaro. America has sanctioned the judge in the case. Will Trump damage relations with an American ally to stick with his friend? John Prideaux hosts with James Bennet and Ana Lankes.Runtime: 51.06Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+  For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.
  • 293. Short circuit: America’s fragmented semiconductor policy

    51:16||Ep. 293
    President Donald Trump reversed his decision to block the sale of certain Nvidia chips to China. In exchange for the export permission, the American government will reap some of the company’s profits. Has he traded technological advantage—and national security—for financial gain? John Prideaux hosts with Charlotte Howard and James Bennet.Runtime: 51.16Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+  For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.
  • 292. Arctic plunge: Trump and Putin dive in

    50:44||Ep. 292
    The Alaska meeting between President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin marks a significant moment in Russia’s war in Ukraine. American allies had worked to isolate Putin after the 2022 invasion. What will his visit to American soil mean for his continued war of aggression? John Prideaux hosts with Charlotte Howard and James Bennet.Runtime: 50.49Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+  For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.
  • 291. Treasure map: Trump finds gold in redistricting

    49:08||Ep. 291
    President Donald Trump told Texas Republicans to redraw their congressional maps to create five new safe Republican districts. He’s trying to protect his majority in the House, but he’s set off a scramble in Democratic run states to do the same.  Charlotte Howard hosts with James Bennet and Dan Rosenheck.Runtime: 49:08Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+  For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.
  • 290. Strategic shift: the third nuclear age

    49:44||Ep. 290
    The New START treaty regulating the stockpiles of American and Russian nuclear weapons is set to expire early next year. Neither side has said they will renew it. What will the next era of nuclear deterrence look like?  James Bennet hosts with Steve Coll and Anton La Guardia.Runtime: 49:44Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+  For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.
  • Listener questions: you asked, we answered

    49:05|
    Energy policy, asylum law, the evolving GOP and Elon Musk's plan for a new political party. This week we answer your questions, including the likelihood of a third Trump term. John Prideaux hosts with Charlotte Howard and James Bennet.Runtime: 49:02Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+  For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.