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 Keyser

The post Trump's Independent Voter Problem appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch discuss how President Donald Trump is de-prioritizing due process by not adhering to a ruling from the Supreme Court. They also talk about how Harvard University's tax status could be in jeopardy and reflect on the legacy of Pope Francis.

0:00—Introduction

0:12—The Pope's legacy

5:56—Is the democracy emergency here?

15:27—Deportations without due process

29:19—Harvard funding pause

41:25—Weekly listener question

48:11—Lightning round: What's happening at the Pentagon? What's going on with tariffs now? And what's next for AI?

54:33—Weekly cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"On the 'Invasion' of 'Libertarianism,' Pope Francis' Ignorance Is Showing," by Stephanie Slade

"Pope Francis Is Wrong. Property Rights Are Human Rights," by Steven Greenhut

"The Pope Who Helped Bring Down Communism," by Stephanie Slade

"Alex Nowrasteh and Bryan Caplan: The Case for More Immigration," by Nick Gillespie

"Mass Deportations Are Bad for Everyone's Liberty," by Steven Greenhut

"You know who admitted that Abrego Garcia's deportation was a mistake? The Trump admin," by Nick Gillespie

"Anti-US Sentiment Could Deliver a $90 Billion Hit to US GDP This Year," by Rachel Wolff

"Trump Advisers Took Advantage of Navarro's Absence To Push for Tariff Pause," by Alexander Saeedy and Josh Dawsey

"Trump Tariffs: The Economic Impact of the Trump Trade War," by Erica York and Alex Durante

"Peter Navarro's No-Good Economic Nationalism," by Eric Boehm

"U.S. Confidence in Higher Education Now Closely Divided," by Jeffrey M. Jones

"Steven Pinker: What Went Wrong at Harvard," by Nick Gillespie

"Pope Francis Has Died," by Liz Wolfe

"Pope Francis Supports Free Speech, Unless It Offends People," by Jacob Sullum

"What Happens When Presidents Defy Court Orders?" by Damon Root

"Ignoring SCOTUS," by Liz Wolfe

"Federal Appeals Court Rejects Trump Administration's Attempt To Block Return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia," by C.J. Ciaramella

"The Trump Administration's Increasing Hostility to Basic Due Process," by Joe Lancaster

"Federal Judge in Deportation Case Finds Probable Cause To Hold the Trump Administration in Contempt," by Jacob Sullum

Reason Events

The Soho Forum Debate: Eric Brakey vs. Andrew Heaton, April 26, Concord, New Hampshire

Reason Speakeasy: Robert Rosenkranz on The Stoic Capitalist, May 6, New York City

The Soho Forum Debate: Dave Smith vs. Alex Nowrasteh on Immigration, May 21, New York City

We are looking for a producer for our show! Please submit a resume and cover letter to [email protected] with the subject of the email labeled as "Podcast producer."

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 Keyser

The post Why Due Process Matters appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Peter Suderman, Nick Gillespie, Matt Welch, and special guest Mary Katharine Ham discuss President Donald Trump's trade war with China. They also talk about the taxes they hate the most—just in time to celebrate Tax Day.

4:30—Trump's trade war with China

15:36—How will Trump's tariffs affect the U.S. manufacturing industry?

23:06—Is the U.S. middle class hollowed out?

34:52—Tax Day is upon us, once again

43:31—Listener question about Thomas Jefferson's list of grievances

50:21—The Department of Government Efficiency's cost savings update

59:59—Cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Apple, Nvidia Score Relief From US Tariffs With Exemptions," by Debby Wu, Josh Wingrove, and Shawn Donnan

"For me, one of the main benefits of making some money is not having to wear a gimp suit for anybody," by Cliff Asness

"Taxes: The Price We Pay for Civilization," by Meredith Bragg and Nick Gillespie

"A Current Snapshot of the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Benefit," by Juliette Cubanski

"Medicare Madness," by Katherine Mangu-Ward

"Global Village or Global Pillage?" by Mario Vargas Llosa

"Viva Mario!" by Michael Valdez Moses

Reason on Mario Vargas Llosa

Hearts of Fire, starring Bob Dylan, directed by Richard Marquand

"Even on Pause, Trump's Trade War Runs Up a Big Price Tag," by J.D. Tuccille

"Trade War With China," by Liz Wolfe

"Rand Paul on China, Free Speech, and Banning TikTok," by Elizabeth Nolan Brown

"America Gained Nothing From Trump's Latest Tariff Stunt," by Eric Boehm

"Markets Rally as Trump Pauses Tariffs. Should Presidents Have This Much Power?" by Joe Lancaster

"Trump's Tariffs Violate the Constitutional Separation of Powers," by Damon Root

"Dealing with Despots," by Virginia Postrel

"Happy Birthday, Medicare Part D! Now Die! Die! Die!" by Nick Gillespie

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.

• Video Editor: Ian Keyser

The post Why Trump's China Tariffs Won't Work appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch discuss the economic and political fallout from President Donald Trump's new tariffs. They debate the role Congress, the courts, and billionaire influencers like Elon Musk could play in reversing these policies.

2:00—What goods could be most affected by Trump's tariffs?

8:10—Can Congress stop Trump's tariffs?

18:00—Can the courts challenge Trump's tariffs?

22:00—Will Musk stop Trump's tariffs?

27:14—Who is defending Trump's tariffs?

35:35—RFK Jr. cut 10,000 jobs from the Health and Human Services—maybe?

50:08—Should journalists keep steelmanning Trump's policies?

1:01:25—This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned on this podcast:

3 Myths About American Decline, by Nick Gillespie

Poll: 63% of Americans Want To Increase Trade with Other Nations, 75% Worry Tariffs Are Raising Consumer Prices, by Emily Ekins

Bye-Bye American Pie, by Nick Gillespie

Can RFK Jr. Fix Our Dysfunctional Public Health Agencies? by Ronald Bailey

How The Brady Bunch Handled Measles, by The Highwire

HVAC jobs, by Bureau of Labor Statistics

Why is there a shortage of plumbers and electricians? by Andrew Dorn

Trump's Tariffs: It's Not Just the Stock Market That's In Trouble, by Eric Boehm

The Trump Administration Should Focus on Deregulation, Not Tariffs, by J.D. Tuccille

Trump Is Wrong About McKinley's Tariff Legacy, by Matt Welch

Trump's Longtime Obsession With Trade Deficits Suggests His Tariffs Won't End Soon, by Jacob Sullum

Trump Is Making Affordable Goods Expensive, by Jack Nicastro

Trump's Tariff Blueprint Called for 'Careful Planning' and 'Precise Execution,' by Eric Boehm

Nintendo Delays Switch 2 Preorders Over Trump Tariffs, by Joe Lancaster

Are Trump's Tariffs Constitutional? By Jack Nicastro

White House Cites Tariff Reports That Undermine Its Own Claims, by Erica York

All Trade is Reciprocal. Trump's Tariffs Interfere With That Reciprocity, by J.D. Tuccille

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

Today's sponsor:

• 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.
• You believe in limited government and support organizations that champion the ideals of a free society.  But have you ensured that your charitable giving will leave a lasting legacy of liberty? Without a plan in place, your charitable legacy could fade—or worse, be redirected to causes that don't align with your values. At DonorsTrust, they help you secure your philanthropic vision for the long term. With a donor-advised fund, you can ensure that the groups you care about continue to receive support, even beyond your lifetime. And unlike other donor-advised funds, DonorsTrust respects your libertarian principles and ensures your charitable capital remains committed to advancing individual liberty. Your giving should reflect your values—not just today, but for years to come. Your Vision.  Your Values.  Your Impact. Go to DonorsTrust.org/Reason to ensure your philanthropy continues to champion liberty for generations to come.  That's DonorsTrust.org/Reason.

• Video Editor: Ian Keyser

The post Can Anyone Stop Trump's Tariffs? appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch recorded a live episode in Austin, Texas, at Reason Weekend and covered a wide range of topics: the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), tariffs, deportations without due process, and President Donald Trump on free speech.

02:18—What does the audience think about Trump?

04:28—A DOGE dance party?

15:56—Trump announces new tariffs

22:11—Deportations without due process

29:28—Is Trump good for free speech?

38:27—What is the funniest thing about Trump 2.0?

44:09—Democrats and the abundance agenda

50:37—Manny Klausner, RIP

57:24—This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Trump's New Car Tariffs Are a $100 Billion Tax Increase No One Wants," by Eric Boehm

"How Pokémon Helps Explain DOGE," by Eric Boehm

"Trump Ends Program for Legal Migrants From Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela," by Fiona Harrigan

"Manuel Klausner, RIP," by Brian Doherty

"Remembering Manny Klausner," by Robert Poole

Reason Speakeasy: Jeffrey A. Singer, April 8, 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:

• 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.
• 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.

Audio production by Ian Keyser

Assistant production by Hunt Beaty

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

• Video Editor: Ian Keyser
• Producer: Hunt Beaty
• Camera: Justin Zuckerman

The post Time for a DOGE Dance Party appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, and Nick Gillespie welcome a very special guest, Andrew Sullivan, to discuss President Donald Trump's defiance of court orders on deportations, his antagonism toward Canada, and the COVID-19-era lies told by Anthony Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

11:55—Trump deportations ignore due process and defy court order

38:19—Canada as the 51st state?

50:38—Weekly listener question

58:09—The five-year anniversary of COVID-19 and Fauci's lies

1:07:30—This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Trump's Reading of the Alien Enemies Act Defies the Usual Meaning of Its Terms," by Jacob Sullum

"Trump Administration Deports Alleged Venezuelan Gang Members Despite Court Order," by Katarina Hall

"Did ICE Deport This Guy Over a Real Madrid Tattoo?" by Eric Boehm

"Pesky Judges," by Elizabeth Nolan Brown

"Trump's Judge Bashing Provokes a Rebuke From Chief Justice John Roberts (Again)," by Jacob Sullum

"Forget Woke Snow White. Disney's Remake Is More Like Socialist Snow White," by Peter Suderman

"Why Did This Man Mislead Us?" by Andrew Sullivan

Reason Speakeasy: Jeffrey A. Singer, April 8, 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:

• 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.
• 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.

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 War With the Courts appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch explain why eliminating the Department of Education entirely is long overdue.

02:52—Trump administration cuts to the Department of Education

25:55—Mahmoud Khalil detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement

37:13—Weekly listener question

45:22—Lightning round: Congress passes a continuing resolution budget deal

53:41—This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Is This the Beginning of the End for the Department of Education?" by Emma Camp

"DOE Set To Die," by Liz Wolfe

"U.S. Attorney Threatens Georgetown Law for 'Teaching DEI,'" by Emma Camp

"Abolish the Department of Education," by Neal McCluskey

"The Next President Should Abolish Everything," by Katherine Mangu-Ward

"The Ever-Shifting Politics of the Department of Education," by Jesse Walker

"An Education in Empire Building," by John Fund and Martin Wooster

"Mahmoud Khalil Is an Easy Call," by Robby Soave

"Mahmoud Khalil, the Great Rorschach Test," by Liz Wolfe

"Is it Constitutional To Deport Immigrants for Political Speech?" by Jack Nicastro

"The Case Against Deporting Immigrants for "Pro-Terrorist" Speech [Updated]," by Ilya Somin

"Who Is the Palestinian Columbia Student Detained For His Protest Activity?" by Matthew Petti

"Trump Administration Deports Alleged Venezuelan Gang Members Despite Court Order," by Katarina Hall

"The House's Budget Bill Cuts Earmarks, but Spending Will Be Going Up Anyway," by Jeff Luse

"The House GOP Budget Blueprint Promises More Borrowing, More Debt, and Not Enough Spending Cuts," by Eric Boehm

"Rand Paul: Businesses and Workers Think Tariffs Are a Bad Idea," by Robby Soave

"Rep. Thomas Massie: 'We don't really have 218 conservatives here [who] meant what they said when they said they wanted to repeal Obamacare,'" by Matt Welch

"Rand Paul: Budget Deal Should Be Renamed 'The Status Quo Protection Act,'" by Matt Welch

"House Republicans Voted To Keep the Government Working," by Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole

"COPS on Hiatus?" by Nick Gillespie

"Renowned British Writer, a Virulent Anti-Semite, Being Considered for Sainthood," by Robert Philpot

"The Back of the World," by Adam Gopnik

Reason Speakeasy: Is Satire Still Possible? March 20, New York City

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

Today's sponsor:

• 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.

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 We Don't Need the Department of Education appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch discuss the frantic uncertainty in the economy due to President Donald Trump's various tariff policies and trade war antics.

03:22—Trump's tariff uncertainty

26:15—Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) check-in

38:35—Weekly listener question

49:01—Five years since COVID-19

56:12—This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Trump's Trade War With America's Neighbors Is All Cost and No Benefit," by Eric Boehm

"In Speech to Congress, Trump Promises More Tariff Madness," by Eric Boehm

"Trump Loves Tariffs. Fentanyl Is Just an Excuse." by Joe Lancaster

"Tariffs Are In Effect. Expect Everything To Become More Expensive." by Jeff Luse

"How the Looming 'Fiscal Cliff' Is Killing the Economy," Nick Gillespie

"How Would Milton Friedman Do DOGE?" by Veronique de Rugy

"Yes, Cutting Government Waste Is Important," by Veronique de Rugy

"No, HHS Didn't Spend $8 Million 'Making Mice Transgender,'" by Joe Lancaster

"Contrary to What Trump Said, Even DOGE Does Not Claim To Have Identified 'Hundreds of Billions' in Fraud," by Jacob Sullum

"Dead People Aren't Bankrupting Us," by Liz Wolfe

"DOGE and Congress Should Take a Chainsaw to Corporate Welfare," by J.D. Tuccille

"Hey DOGE: If You Want To Make Yourself Useful, Kill the Federal Energy Loan Program," by Jeff Luse

"The Myth of Homeownership Wealth Creation," by Anthony Randazzo

"Jay Bhattacharya's Confirmation Hearing Proves the Lockdown Skeptics Won," by Christian Britschgi

"The Great COVID Rupture," by Matt Welch

"Two Years To Slow the Spread," by Matt Welch

"I Can't Quit New York," by Matt Welch

"We Will Regret Not Taking the Economic Effects of Mass Quarantine More Seriously," Nick Gillespie

"How the Coronavirus Might Kickstart the 21st Century," Nick Gillespie

"Chaos: Charles Manson, the CIA, and the Secret History of the Sixties," Tom O'Neill with Dan Piepenbring

"Shipwrecks, Treasure and Cannon Fire-The True Story of an American Privateer," by Nick Gillespie and Meredith Bragg

Reason Speakeasy: Is Satire Still Possible? March 20, New York City

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

Today's sponsors:

• Let's talk about March Madness! No, not NCAA March Madness that kicks off with selections next week. We're talking about March TAX madness! Digging through your records and files, realizing that you never received acknowledgment of a donation you made and now have to track it down. Did you know that DonorsTrust can help alleviate your tax season headaches? With a donor-advised fund from DonorsTrust, you can simplify your giving and maximize your tax savings. It's private, secure, and managed by a team that shares your belief in limited government. Not all donor-advised funds respect your libertarian principles. DonorsTrust is proudly dedicated to advancing a free society, protecting your charitable intent, and championing individual liberty and free markets. You can focus on making a difference, not on managing paperwork. With DonorsTrust, it's your vision, your values, your impact. Go to DonorsTrust.org/Reason to discover a better way to give.
• 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.

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 It's Trump's Economy Now appeared first on Reason.com.

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:

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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.
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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.