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 [email protected]. 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 Keyser
• Producer: Hunt Beaty

The post Trump vs. Zelenskyy: Democracy Dies in Drama? appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch discuss democratic messaging and policy in the age of Trump, before turning to President Donald Trump's shifting stance on the war in Ukraine and its implications for global politics.

02:11—Democrats losing the plot on messaging and policy

20:28—Trump and Ukraine

41:39—Weekly listener question

43:43—Lightning round: Argentine President Javier Milei's memecoin, Department of Government Efficiency dividends, and Elon Musk's email to federal workers.

51:45 - This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"What Did You Do Last Week?" by Liz Wolfe

"Democrats Need Their Own DEI Purge," by Josh Barro

"One Simple Question for Democrats," by Ruy Teixeira

"Trump's Shameful Betrayal of Ukraine," by Ilya Somin

"Ayn Rand in Ukrainian Crimea," by Paul Schwennesen

"Did Biden Blow the Best Chance of Preventing War in Ukraine?" by Matthew Petti

"U.S. Tells Europe To Handle Its Own Defense," by J.D. Tuccille

"Is Trump Getting Ready To Cut Ukraine—and Europe—Loose?" by Matthew Petti

"America is being sold out by its leaders," by Noah Smith

Reason Speakeasy: Brian Doherty, February 27, 2025

Send your questions to [email protected]. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsors:

• Are you 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. Early registration is just $400 before March 1st, including room and board, with scholarships available. Don't miss out! Visit www.reliancecollege.org/reason to learn more and apply.
• We often hear about the "red flags" we should avoid. But what if we focused more on looking for green flags in friends and partners? If you're not sure what they look like, therapy can help you identify green flags, actively practice them in your relationships, and embody the green flag energy, yourself. Whether you're dating, married, building a friendship, or just working on yourself, it's time to form relationships that love you back. BetterHelp is fully online, making therapy affordable and convenient, serving over 5 million people worldwide. Access a diverse network of more than 30,000 credentialed therapists with a wide range of specialties. Easily switch therapists anytime at no extra cost. Discover your relationship "green flags," with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/roundtable today to get 10 percent off your first month.

Audio production by Ian Keyser

Assistant production by Hunt Beaty

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

• Video Editor: Ian Keyser
• Producer: Hunt Beaty

The post Are Democrats Actually in Disarray? appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, and Nick Gillespie welcome special guest Justin Amash to weigh in on President Donald Trump vs. the rule of law, Congress' inability to budget, and Vice President J.D. Vance's big trip to Europe.

04:04 - Trump quotes Napoleon

19:36 - DOGE wants to cut, Congress still wants to spend big

29:05 - Defunding the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

38:37 - Weekly listener question

47:21 - Vance goes to Europe

56:58 - This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Justin Amash: 'I'd Impeach Every President,'" by Nick Gillespie

"The Problem With Trump's Birthright Citizenship Order," by Justin Amash

"The War on Bureaucracy," by Liz Wolfe

"DOGE Needs Data To Survive. These Lawsuits Are Trying To Starve It of Information," by Christian Britschgi

"Elon Musk's 'Proof' of Government Waste Is in the Pudding," by Robby Soave

"Kerry Howley: A Journey Through the Deep State," by Nick Gillespie

"Trump's 'Reciprocal' Tariffs Could Be Largest Tax Increase Since World War II," by Eric Boehm

"The Republicans' Underwhelming Budget," by Jessica Riedl

"Douglas Irwin: Why Trump's Tariff Plans Are Dangerous," by Nick Gillespie

"Trump Tariffs: Tracking the Economic Impact of the Trump Trade War," by Erica York

"DOGE Begins Publishing Data After Transparency Complaints," by C.J. Ciaramella

"The Disappointing Results of Trump's 'Deferred Resignation' Plan Are Part of a Pattern," by Jacob Sullum

"The 5 Worst Things About the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau," by Veronique de Rugy

"Elizabeth Warren's Hubris Allowed Trump To Defund the CFPB," by Eric Boehm

"The Media Love Negative Trends, but America Keeps Moving in the Right Direction," by Eric Boehm

"J.D. Vance Brings the Culture War to Europe: 'There Is a New Sheriff in Town,'" by Matthew Petti

"U.S. Tells Europe To Handle Its Own Defense," by J.D. Tuccille

"CBS Is Wrong About Free Speech in Germany and the Rise of Nazism," by Robby Soave

"The New Captain America Film Has Important Lessons for Trump and Biden Stans," by Matthew Rozsa

Reason Speakeasy: Brian Doherty, February 27, 2025

Send your questions to [email protected]. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsor:

• Are you 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 26 to August 2. 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. Early registration is just $400 before March 1, including room and board, 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 Keyser
• Producer: Hunt Beaty

The post Justin Amash on Why the President Isn't Above the Law appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Peter Suderman, Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, and special guest Christian Britschgi assess the first steps taken by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to cut government spending and slash federal agencies.

01:52—DOGE vs. the Deep State

39:50—Weekly listener question

46:50—Lightning round: Gaza takeover, RFK Jr. confirmation, President Donald Trump sues CBS

55:28—This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Will Elon Musk Cut as Much Government as Al Gore Did?" by Joe Lancaster

"5 of the Worst USAID Scandals in History," by Matthew Petti

"Has DOGE Already Lost Its Way?" by Eric Boehm

"John Cochrane: How Will DOGE 'Disrupt' the Government?" by Zach Weissmueller and Liz Wolfe

"USAID Paying for Politico Is a Nontroversy," by Robby Soave

"America Is Going Broke. Will the Department of Government Efficiency Help?" by John Stossel

"The Freakout Over 'Big Balls' and DOGE," by Liz Wolfe

"Trump's Middle East Policy: Pull Troops Out of Syria To Put Them in Gaza?" by Matthew Petti

"Riviera of the Middle East," by Liz Wolfe

"Just Asking Questions About RFK Jr.'s Senate Hearing," by Ronald Bailey

"We Don't Need RFK Jr. To 'Make America Healthy Again,'" by Kelvey Vander Hart

"Trump Is Flat-Out Lying About the 60 Minutes Interview With Harris," by Jacob Sullum

"How the FCC's 'Warrior for Free Speech' Became Our Censor in Chief," by Joe Lancaster

Reason Speakeasy: Brian Doherty, February 27, 2025

Send your questions to [email protected]. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsors:

• Are you 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. Early registration is just $400 before March 1st, including room and board, with scholarships available. Don't miss out! Visit www.reliancecollege.org/reason to learn more and apply.
• What impact will you make with your charitable giving this year? Giving can feel complicated—lots of receipts, juggling different organizations, and trying to keep all the details straight. DonorsTrust simplifies all of that. With a donor-advised fund from DonorsTrust, you can streamline your giving and even maximize your tax savings. Unlike some donor-advised funds that don't respect your libertarian principles, DonorsTrust is proudly dedicated to advancing a free society, protecting your charitable intent, and championing individual liberty and free markets. And here's what's great: DonorsTrust takes care of the details. It's private, secure, and managed by a team that shares your principles. You can focus on making a difference, not on managing paperwork. With DonorsTrust, it's Your Vision. Your Values. Your Impact. Discover a better way to give. Visit DonorsTrust.org/Reason to get started today.

Audio production by Ian Keyser

Assistant production by Hunt Beaty

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

• Video Editor: Ian Keyser
• Producer: Hunt Beaty

The post DOGE vs. Deep State appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Peter Suderman, Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, and special guest Eric Boehm lament the beginning of what could become a terrible trade war between the United States and its three largest trading partners—Canada, Mexico, and China.

01:51—President Donald Trump signs orders imposing tariffs against Canada, Mexico, and China

24:18—The Trump administration attempts to freeze federal aid and offers federal workers buyouts

43:20—Weekly listener question

52:08—Quick news lightning round: DCA plane crash, Elon Musk and government payment systems, China's Deepseek AI

58:26—This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Stupid Trade War," by Liz Wolfe

"Tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China Could Start This Weekend," by Eric Boehm

"Trump's Tariffs To Tank Tequila," by Eric Boehm

"Challenge Trump's Tariffs Under the Nondelegation and Major Questions Doctrines," by Ilya Somin

"How Trump Could Unilaterally Place Tariffs on Mexico and Canada," by Eric Boehm

"Trump's Role Model McKinley Tariffed His Way to Imperialism," by Matt Welch

"Trump's Pro-Growth, Anti-Trade Positions Are on a Collision Course," by Veronique de Rugy

"The White House's 'Feverish Dream' About $50 Million for Condoms in Gaza," by Matthew Petti

"Why Is Paramount So Keen To Settle Trump's Laughable Lawsuit Against CBS?" by Jacob Sullum

"Trump's Orders Feature Nonexistent Emergencies, Illegal Power Grabs, and Blatant Inconsistencies," by Jacob Sullum

"Understaffed Air Traffic Control, DEI Are Unlikely Causes of D.C. Plane Crash," by Christian Britschgi

"How a Chinese AI Company Found a Way Around America's Export Controls," by Jack Nicastro

Send your questions to [email protected]. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsors:

• 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.

• Are you 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. Early registration is just $400 before March 1st, including room and board, 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 Keyser
• Producer: Hunt Beaty

The post Trump's Dumb Trade War appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Peter Suderman, Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, and Nick Gillespie attempt to describe the ongoing cultural shifts occurring in the wake of President Donald Trump's re-election.

01:53—Donald Trump and cultural "vibe shift"

30:40—Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)

41:00—Weekly listener question

45:50—Trump outrage lightning round

53:55—This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Trump Barely Won the Election. Why Doesn't It Feel That Way?" by Ezra Klein

"The Vibes They Are a-Shiftin,'" by Matthew Yglesias

"Are we entering a Conservative Golden Age?" by Nate Silver

"Last Boys at the Beginning of History," by Mana Afsari

"How Popular YouTubers Pushed Young Male Voters Toward Trump," by Davey Alba, Leon Yin, Julia Love, Ashley Carman, Pryanjana Bengani, Rachael Dottle, and Elena Mejía

"Trump's Tech Love Affair Won't Last," by Elizabeth Nolan Brown

"Why Companies Are Ditching ESG," by John Stossel

"Stargate: Artificial Superintelligence in 4 Years?" by Ronald Bailey

"The Tech Bros Love Trump Because the Democrats Pushed Them Away," by Robby Soave

"Gillespie: 'Politicians Are Lagging Indicators,'" by Nick Gillespie

"Is the Women's March Melting Down?" by Leah McSweeney and Jacob Siegel

"Charles Gasparino: 'Woke' hypocrisy is hurting businesses," by Nick Gillespie

"Who's In Charge of Black Lives Matter's Millions of Dollars?" by Robby Soave

"Finding Trillions in Federal Cuts Is Easy. But Will Trump and Musk Follow Through?" by Eric Boehm

"Not Everything Is a National Emergency," by Bonnie Kristian

"Justin Amash Introduces Bill To End Forever National Emergencies," by Billy Binion

"Rand Paul, Ron Wyden Want To End Endless National Emergencies," by Eric Boehm

"Trump's Orders Feature Nonexistent Emergencies, Illegal Power Grabs, and Blatant Inconsistencies," by Jacob Sullum

"Trump's Illegal First-Day Executive Actions," by Ilya Somin

"Trump Targets Birthright Citizenship and Calls for Military Role in Deportations," by Fiona Harrigan

"Trump Tries To Fire Inspectors General, Likely Violating Federal Law," by Eric Boehm

"What Washington's Farewell Address Tells Us About Trump's America (Reason Podcast)," by Nick Gillespie and Ian Keyser

"Big Blue Men," by Sara Rimensnyder

George Washington- [Brad Neely]

Send your questions to [email protected]. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsor:

• ZBiotics. ZBiotics Pre-Alcohol Probiotic Drink is the world's first genetically engineered probiotic. It was invented by Ph.D. scientists to tackle rough mornings after drinking. Make ZBiotics your first drink of the night, drink responsibly, and you'll feel your best tomorrow. Go to zbiotics.com/ROUNDTABLE to get 15 percent off your first order when you use ROUNDTABLE at checkout. ZBiotics is backed with a 100 percent money-back guarantee so if you're unsatisfied for any reason, they'll refund your money, no questions asked.

• Are you 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. Early registration is just $400 before March 1st, including room and board, 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 Keyser
• Producer: Hunt Beaty

The post The Cultural Consequences of Trump's Victory appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Peter Suderman, Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, and Nick Gillespie react to the second inauguration of President Donald Trump. The gang parses some of his contradictory ideas before touching on the saga of banning TikTok, the Chinese-owned social media application, in the United States.

01:46 - Donald Trump's second inauguration

14:20 - Trump's Day 1 executive actions

28:34 - Joe Biden's farewell address

42:25 - Weekly listener question

48:04 - TikTok ban

57:10 - This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Day 1," by Liz Wolfe

"Trump Signals a Crackdown on Legal and Illegal Immigration," by Fiona Harrigan

"Trump Promises To Be a 'Peacemaker,' Threatens Panama," by Eric Boehm

"Trump's 'External Revenue Service' Is a Public Relations Effort. It Won't Change How Tariffs Work," by Eric Boehm

"Many Workers Don't Want To Return to the Office. That Could Help Shrink the Government," by J.D. Tuccille

"The Equity Mess," by Matt Welch

"Biden's Preemptive Pardons Undermine Official Accountability and the Rule of Law," by Jacob Sullum

"Biden Attempts To Ratify the Equal Rights Amendment by Blog Post," by C.J. Ciaramella

"The Tech Bros Love Trump Because the Democrats Pushed Them Away," by Robby Soave

"State-Run TikTok Coming Soon?" by Elizabeth Nolan Brown

"TikTok Is Back Online as Trump Proposes Nationalizing It," by Joe Lancaster

"These Lawmakers Actively Use TikTok Even After Voting To Ban It," by Joe Lancaster

"SCOTUS Rules in Favor of TikTok Ban as Some Supporters Realize It's a Bad Idea," by Robby Soave

"Was David Lynch the Original Libertarian Democrat?" by Nick Gillespie

"Twin Peaks and the Moment TV Changed," by Jesse Walker

Send your questions to [email protected]. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsors:

• Are you 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 26 to August 2. 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. Early registration is just $400 before March 1, including room and board, 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 Keyser
• Producer: Hunt Beaty

The post Donald Trump's Chaotic and Contradictory Day 1 appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman reflect on the failed policy decisions that have exacerbated the L.A. wildfire crisis, as well as Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg's announcement that the company is ditching third-party fact checking on Facebook.

01:54—L.A. wildfires and failed policy

28:06—Weekly listener question

37:36—Zuckerberg announces the company nixes third-party fact checking

47:06—This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"California's Fire Catastrophe Is Largely a Result of Bad Government Policies," by J.D. Tuccille

"Looting Is Bad. So Are Curfews," by Jack Nicastro

"What's Wrong With a Private Firefighter?" by Liz Wolfe

"Los Angeles Zoning Laws Pushed People and Homes Toward Fire-Prone Areas," by Jack Nicastro

"Fires Incinerated the Facade of California Governing Competence," by Matt Welch

"Hell Out West," by Liz Wolfe

"A Failed State," by Liz Wolfe

"Burning Los Angeles," by Nick Gillespie

"California Regulations Prevent Insurers From Accurately Pricing Wildfire Risk, so Now They're Fleeing the State," by Ronald Bailey

"Why is the bureaucracy and red tape there in the first place?" by Nick Gillespie

"Zuck Finds His Spine," by Liz Wolfe

"Mark Zuckerberg Was Right To Fire Facebook's Rogue Fact-Checkers," by Robby Soave

"Facebook's New Free Speech Policy Shows Business Getting Back to Business," by J.D. Tuccille

"An Urgent Meeting of the Fact-Check Legion of Doom," by Robby Soave

"Let's Stop Talking about Free Speech and Start Defending It," by Nick Gillespie

"Why Facebook 'Welcomes' Regulation, by Todd Krainin," Nick Gillespie, and Jim Epstein

"Mark Zuckerberg: 'I Believe We Need a More Active Role for Governments and Regulators,'" by Nick Gillespie

"TikTok Took a Beating at the Supreme Court," by Robby Soave

"Trump Dodged My Question About the Federal Debt," by Nick Gillespie

"Parents, Not the Government, Should Make IVF Decisions," by Ronald Bailey

"Breeder Reactionaries: The 'feminist' war on reproductive technologies," by Wendy McElroy

"The Brutalist Is Great American Cinema," by Peter Suderman

Event:

Reason Speakeasy: Bryan Caplan and David Bier, January 21, 2025

Send your questions to [email protected]. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsors:

• ZBiotics. ZBiotics Pre-Alcohol Probiotic Drink is the world's first genetically engineered probiotic. It was invented by Ph.D. scientists to tackle rough mornings after drinking. Make ZBiotics your first drink of the night, drink responsibly, and you'll feel your best tomorrow. Go to zbiotics.com/ROUNDTABLE to get 15 percent off your first order when you use ROUNDTABLE at checkout. ZBiotics is backed with a 100 percent money-back guarantee so if you're unsatisfied for any reason, they'll refund your money, no questions asked.

• Are you 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. Early registration is just $400 before March 1st, including room and board, 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 Keyser
• Producer: Hunt Beaty

The post How Awful Policies Fueled the L.A. Fires appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman chime in on the ongoing online debate over a federal visa program for high-skilled workers and look back at the legacy of former President Jimmy Carter.

04:04—H-1B visa debate

21:07—Biden blocks sale of U.S. Steel to Japan's Nippon Steel

30:49—Weekly listener question

41:13—Former President Jimmy Carter dead at 100

57:59—This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Can Nativists and Dynamists Coexist Within Trump's MAGA Coalition?" by Eric Boehm

"Bernie Sanders Is Still Wrong About Immigration," by Joe Lancaster

"Trump Promised More Legal High-Skilled Immigration. His Record Says Otherwise," by Kevin Garcia-Galindo

"Trump Suddenly Loves Immigration," by Liz Wolfe

"Democrats Learned that Voters Don't Like Border Chaos," by Alex Nowrasteh

"Don't Blame Melania Trump for Breaking Immigration Laws: CHANGE THE DAMN LAWS," by Nick Gillespie

"Miller outlines how Trump administration would prioritize mass deportations," by Rebecca Falconer and Russell Contreras

"The U.S. benefits from immigration but policy reforms needed to maximize gains," by Daniel Costa, Josh Bivens, Ben Zipperer, and Monique Morrissey

"Blocking the U.S. Steel Sale Is a Perfectly Disgraceful End to Biden's Political Career," by Eric Boehm

"Corpse President Says Companies Can't Do What They Want," by Liz Wolfe

"Bootleggers and Baptists in the U.S. Steel Deal," by Eric Boehm

"Nippon Steel-U.S. Steel Merger Poses No National Security Threat," by Jack Nicastro

"Trump's Vow To Block U.S. Steel's Sale Sends Stock Tumbling," by Eric Boehm

"Abolish Amtrak," by Jason Russell

"Privatize the Postal Service, Amtrak, Airports, and More," by Veronique de Rugy

"This Company Is Running a High-Speed Train in Florida—Without Subsidies," by Natalie Dowzicky

"How Are Your State's Roads Funded?" by Janelle Fritts

"Congressional Testimony: The Long-Term Solvency of the Highway Trust Fund," by Robert W. Poole

"How Do Long Distance Trains Perform Financially?" by Amtrak

"Why Can't We Build Anything?" by Katherine Mangu-Ward

"The $1 Trillion Infrastructure Bill Spends a Lot More Money on the Same Old Highway Programs," by Christian Britschgi

"America's Highways Need That Trillion Dollars Congress Already Spent," by Matt Welch

"Road to Ruin," by Robert Poole

"RIP Jimmy Carter, the 'Passionless' President," by Gene Healy

"Jimmy Carter, 'The Great Deregulator,' 1924–2024," by Nick Gillespie

"Jimmy Carter Supported Federal Pot Decriminalization for Half a Century. It Still Has Not Happened," by Jacob Sullum

"Jimmy Carter's Gift to Hollywood Was No Gift to Georgia Taxpayers," by Joe Lancaster

"Jimmy Carter Sparked a Craft Beer Explosion by Getting Government Out of the Way," by Eric Boehm

"What Jimmy Carter and Jerry Brown Can Teach Us About Deregulation," by Matt Welch

"Energy and the National Goals—A Crisis of Confidence," by Jimmy Carter

"Why Do We Have a Department of Education? Jimmy Carter's Debt to a Teachers Union," by Anthony Fisher

"Tom Wolfe, RIP," by Matt Welch

"Tom Wolfe Is Dead but the 'Me Decade' Lives On (and That's a Good Thing)," by Nick Gillespie

"Tom Wolfe on 2012 Election: 'I Wrote in Ron Paul,'" by Brian Doherty

"Does Bob Dylan Have a Politics and if Yes, What the Hell Are They? by Nick Gillespie, Brian Doherty, and Andrew Kirell

"Jeffrey Edward Green: Why Bob Dylan's Prophecies Continue To Fascinate," by Nick Gillespie

"Positively Fourth Rate," by Nick Gillespie

Send your questions to [email protected]. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsor:

• ZBiotics. ZBiotics Pre-Alcohol Probiotic Drink is the world's first genetically engineered probiotic. It was invented by Ph.D. scientists to tackle rough mornings after drinking. Make ZBiotics your first drink of the night, drink responsibly, and you'll feel your best tomorrow. Go to zbiotics.com/ROUNDTABLE to get 15 percent off your first order when you use ROUNDTABLE at checkout. ZBiotics is backed with a 100 percent money-back guarantee so if you're unsatisfied for any reason, they'll refund your money, no questions asked.

Audio production by Ian Keyser

Assistant production by Hunt Beaty

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

• Video Editor: Ian Keyser
• Producer: Hunt Beaty

The post Why MAGA Is Fighting Over High-Skilled Immigration appeared first on Reason.com.

In the last episode of The Reason Roundtable in 2024, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman select undercovered stories from the past year across three categories: politics, global affairs, and private industry. Au revoir, 2024!

00:14—Undercovered stories in politics

18:07—Undercovered stories in global affairs

33:14—Undercovered stories in private industry/commerce

48:24—2024 under the radar cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"No, California's $20 Minimum Wage for Fast-Food Workers Did Not Create Jobs," by Aaron Brown

"We Have Already Passed Peak Public School," by Matt Welch

"A Week of Failing To Pay With Bitcoin in El Salvador," by Katarina Hall

"IMF Pressures El Salvador To Stop Pushing Bitcoin," by Katarina Hall

"A Glimmer of Success in Miserable Moldova," by Matt Welch

"Guillaume Verdon: Should We Have a 'Second Amendment for AI'?" by Zach Weissmueller and Liz Wolfe

"Nic Carter: Did Bitcoin Win the Election?" by Zach Weissmueller and Liz Wolfe

"Influencers Are Here To Stay—Now It's Time To Modernize Labor Laws," by Liya Palagashvili and Susannah Petitt

Send your questions to [email protected]. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Audio production by Ian Keyser

Assistant production by Hunt Beaty

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

• Video Editor: Ian Keyser
• Producer: Hunt Beaty

The post 2024's Most Undercovered Stories appeared first on Reason.com.