Trump’s Tariffs Reshape U.S. Economic Policy, Says Oren Cass on Tucker Carlson

Introduction to Trump’s Tariff Strategy

On May 16, 2025, Tucker Carlson hosted economist Oren Cass on his show to discuss a pivotal shift in U.S. economic policy under President Donald J. Trump. The conversation, available on YouTube, centers on how Trump’s tariffs are challenging decades of foreign policy that Cass argues have harmed the American economy. Cass presents a compelling case that the postwar global economic order was never designed to benefit the United States, and he credits Trump with taking bold steps to reverse this trend.

Critiquing the Old Economic Order

Early in the discussion, around the 1:20 mark, Cass explains that the global economic framework established after World War II prioritized international alliances over domestic prosperity. He argues that this system led to a significant loss of manufacturing jobs and economic strength in the U.S., as cheaper foreign labor and goods flooded the market. Cass emphasizes that this was not an accident but a deliberate policy choice by Washington elites who valued geopolitical strategy over the well-being of American workers.

Are Trump’s Tariffs Effective?

At approximately the 28:09 timestamp, Carlson and Cass dive into the effectiveness of Trump’s tariffs. Cass asserts that these tariffs are a necessary tool to protect American industries and bring manufacturing back to U.S. soil. He believes that by imposing tariffs on imported goods, particularly from nations with unfair trade practices, the administration is creating an environment where domestic production can thrive. Cass highlights that this approach is already showing promise, as companies reconsider offshoring due to increased costs of imports.

Rebuilding American Manufacturing

Moving to the 33:14 mark, the conversation shifts to the feasibility of reviving U.S. manufacturing. Cass is optimistic, stating that with the right policies, including tariffs and incentives, key industries like steel and technology can return to American hands. He identifies critical products that the U.S. should prioritize at around 38:15, stressing the importance of self-reliance in essential goods to ensure national security and economic stability. This perspective aligns with the administration’s focus on reducing dependency on foreign supply chains.

Washington’s Resistance to Change

At the 46:07 point, Cass addresses the backlash from Washington insiders against Trump’s economic policies. He suggests that the establishment’s resistance stems from a deep-rooted commitment to the old economic model, which benefited a small elite while leaving many Americans behind. Cass notes that Trump’s tariffs have disrupted this status quo, prompting criticism from those who profited from the previous system. Despite this opposition, he sees the administration’s resolve as a sign of commitment to prioritizing American interests.

Future Implications of Tariff Policies

Towards the end of the interview, near the 1:06:56 mark, Cass discusses the long-term outlook for Trump’s tariffs. He believes that if sustained, these policies could fundamentally reshape the U.S. economy by fostering a renewed focus on domestic production and job creation. Cass argues that this shift is not just economic but also cultural, as it encourages a return to values of self-sufficiency and community strength. He underscores that the administration’s approach is a direct response to decades of policies that undermined American workers.

A Call to Refocus on Core Values

Wrapping up around the 1:22:26 timestamp, Cass and Carlson touch on broader societal impacts, including the need to refocus on family and community values alongside economic reform. Cass ties economic policy to cultural renewal, suggesting that protecting American jobs through tariffs can help rebuild the social fabric strained by years of globalization. This holistic view resonates with the administration’s broader mission to restore national pride and economic independence.

In summary, Oren Cass’s appearance on Tucker Carlson’s show offers a detailed defense of President Trump’s tariff policies as a corrective to past economic missteps. Through targeted trade measures, the administration aims to prioritize American workers and industries, a move Cass sees as both necessary and overdue. This discussion provides a clear perspective on why these tariffs are viewed as a cornerstone of current economic strategy.