The Reason Roundtable

This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch discuss New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani's new Commission on Government Efficiency (COGE). The panel examines Mamdani's claim that bureaucracy is preventing New York from delivering housing, transit, and other services, while questioning whether the commission represents a serious effort at reform or simply a rebranding of the city's existing political priorities. They also consider what Mamdani's embrace of efficiency rhetoric says about the state of the Democratic Party and the growing recognition that government often struggles to deliver on its promises. Next, the editors discuss former Vice President Mike Pence's claim that "Democrats have lost their mind" and examine the Democratic Party's continuing attraction to polarizing candidates, from Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner to California's unsettled gubernatorial race. The panel then checks in on the endlessly unresolved Iran conflict, before debating a proposal to eliminate property taxes for senior citizens and what it reveals about the growing trend toward narrowly targeted tax breaks. Finally, the editors answer a listener's question about whether late Sen. John McCain's (R–Ariz.) opposition to mixed martial arts helped shape the cultural forces that eventually brought the UFC to the White House lawn.   0:00—The Commission on Government Efficiency 14:04—Mike Pence's comments on Democratic Party 22:21—Graham Platner and Democratic candidate quality 30:19—Iran war update 33:01—Listener question on the White House UFC event 42:30—Should seniors pay property tax? 50:05—Weekly cultural recommendations   Mentioned in the podcast: "Elon Did DOGE. Now Mamdani Is Trying COGE," by Megan O'Rourke "Mamdani 'Balanced' New York City's Budget—With a Bailout From Albany," by Joe Lancaster "Confidence in Market Principles," by Mike Pence "Mike Pence's Sensible (and Probably Doomed) Plan To Fix the National Debt," by Eric

This week, editors Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch are joined by The Gist's Mike Pesca to discuss the ongoing Iran conflict, the unstable ceasefire negotiations, and whether anyone in Washington has a coherent explanation for what the United States is trying to accomplish. The panel examines President Donald Trump's shifting rationale for the war, the growing pressure for regime change, and why so many of the same foreign policy debates from the Iraq era seem to be repeating themselves in real time. They also consider whether America's political class has learned anything from the past two decades of interventionism. Next, the panel turns to Spencer Pratt's surprisingly competitive Los Angeles mayoral campaign and what his rise says about frustration with the city's political establishment. They discuss why media coverage of Pratt increasingly resembles the early anti-Trump backlash, whether one-party political cultures are capable of meaningful reform, and why even critics of Pratt's candidacy acknowledge that Los Angeles governance appears badly broken. The editors then revisit the panic surrounding Project 2025 and ask how much of the agenda actually materialized during Trump's second term. Finally, the panel examines Trump's controversial $1.776 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund" and why even some Republicans see it as an unprecedented abuse of executive power.   0:00—What have we learned from this war with Iran? 9:38—Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo clashes with the Trump administration 14:19—Spencer Pratt and the Los Angeles mayoral race 27:11—Listener question on Project 2025 37:28—The Anti-Weaponization Fund 47:29—Weekly cultural recommendations   Mentioned in the podcast: "Yes, the Iran War Is a 'War of Choice,' and a Bad One," by Nick Gillespie "Why Does Trump Keep Bringing Up Decades-Old Foreign Grievances?" by Matthew Petti "Drew Carey Goes on Foul-mouthed Rant About Spencer Pratt's LA Mayoral Run: 'F–k This Guy,'" by Antoinette Bueno "The $1.776 Billion in Trump's 'Anti-Weaponization Fund' Fits a Pattern of Fanciful Figures," by Jacob Sullum "<a href="https://reason.com/2026/05/22/trumps-anti-weaponization-fund-is-built-

This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, and Matt Welch are joined by Reason Senior Editor Robby Soave to discuss Rep. Thomas Massie's (R–Ky.) competitive Republican primary challenge and why President Donald Trump has made him one of his top political targets. The panel examines Massie's opposition to the Iran war, his push to release the Epstein files, his longstanding focus on spending, and why his brand of libertarian-style politics has become increasingly rare inside today's Republican Party. Next, the panel turns to the economy, where inflation continues to rise, the U.S. debt has surpassed gross domestic product (GDP), and working-class voters appear increasingly frustrated with Trump's economic agenda. The editors then examine New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani's claim that he closed the city's massive budget gap without cutting services and whether the plan relies more on gimmicks than serious fiscal reform. Finally, a listener asks how to develop political confidence without losing intellectual humility.   0:00—Massie's primary challenge 20:57—Inflation and the national debt 40:31—Listener question on intellectual humility 51:15—Mamdani's $12 billion budget gap 57:41—Weekly cultural recommendations   Mentioned in the podcast: "Thomas Massie's Moment Has Come," by Robby Soave "Thomas Massie's Enemies Are Attacking Him With an Unfair Accusation," by Robby Soave "The War Comes for Your Wallet: Inflation Hits 3.8%, Highest Level in 3 Years," by Eric Boehm "When Businesspeople Run Government, the Government Doesn't Become a Business," by Veronique De Rugy "Pete Hegseth Can't Explain Why America Needs a $1.5 Trillion Military Budget," by Eric Boehm "Trump's 'Golden Dome' Estimated To Cost $1.2 Trillion, New Report Reveals," by Meagan O'Rourke "Mamdani 'Balanced' New York City's Budget—With a Bailout From Albany," by Joe Lancaste

This week, editors Peter Suderman and Katherine Mangu-Ward are joined by Senior Editor Robby Soave and reporter Reem Ibrahim to discuss California Gov. Gavin Newsom's "free diapers" initiative and the political controversy surrounding its nonprofit structure. The panel examines whether the program is a useful benefit for new mothers or another example of government turning a simple problem into an expensive, politically connected spending project. They also consider what the backlash reveals about California governance more broadly, from high-speed rail to homelessness spending to a troubled 911 program, and whether frustration with the state's Democratic establishment is creating an opening for Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt. Next, the panel turns to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's (D–N.Y.) claim that billionaires cannot ethically earn their wealth and her argument that the American Revolution was a revolt against the billionaire class. They also discuss President Donald Trump's ongoing conflict with Iran, whether the war has weakened his negotiating power ahead of a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, and what the fallout could mean for U.S. credibility abroad. The editors then examine escalating fights over redistricting in Virginia and Florida. Finally, a listener asks whether rising ticket prices and corporate consolidation are evidence that government should play a larger role in regulating mergers and competition.   0:00—Newsom's "free diaper" program 13:04—Pratt's mayoral campaign 17:30—AOC attacks billionaires 28:40—Has America lost in Iran? 38:51—Listener question on ticket prices 46:00—Redistricting battles escalate nationwide 53:23—Weekly cultural recommendations   Mentioned in the podcast: "California Spent $450 Million on a Failed 911 System. Now, the State Is Restarting the Project," by Meagan O'Rourke "Contra AOC, You Don't Have To Be a Billionaire To Be a Leech," by Christian Britschgi "A Pointless War: How Iran Hawks Finally Got Their Way," by Matthew Petti "How Much Has the Iran War Actually Cost? A Lot More Than $25 Billion," by Eric Boehm "How Mortal Kombat</em

This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, and Nick Gillespie are joined by special guest Kate Andrews, opinion journalist for The Washington Post, to discuss how big city governance is playing out in Democratic cities. They examine why candidates with strong ties to organized labor and socialist policy agendas, such as New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson, keep winning in major cities, even as affordability worsens and residents leave. The panel also considers whether these outcomes reflect voter preferences, weak alternatives, or a broader failure of reform-oriented factions on the left. Next, the panel turns to Iran, where President Donald Trump has announced "Project Freedom," a plan for the U.S. Navy to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing tensions and uncertainty over the conflict's trajectory. They discuss the economic stakes, the political fallout, and what the lack of a clear resolution suggests about the long-term direction of U.S. foreign policy. The conversation then shifts to King Charles' visit to the United States and what it reveals about political culture, symbolism, and leadership on both sides of the Atlantic. Finally, a listener asks why voters continue to reward pandering politicians and whether meaningful change is possible within the current electoral system. 0:00—Why big city Democrats keep electing socialists 23:01—The Strait of Hormuz and "Project Freedom" 36:35—Listener question on voter behavior 45:34—King Charles visits the U.S. 53:03—Gillespie's interview with Justice Neil Gorsuch 57:08—Weekly cultural recommendations Mentioned in the podcast: "Seattle's Socialist Mayor Laughs at Wealthy Residents Leaving To Escape High Taxes," by J.D. Tuccille "Project Freedom," by Liz Wolfe "Justice Neil Gorsuch: 'Aspirations for Power Need To Be Checked'," by Nick Gillespie "Prison Doesn't Work the Way You Think," by Billy Binion "Is The Devil Wears Prada 2 the Great Millennial Journalism Movie?" by Peter Suderman The post Why Do Big City

This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch discuss the attempted shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner and the media coverage that followed. They examine the shooter's manifesto, why it struck some observers as uncomfortably normal, and what that says about the mainstreaming of extreme political rhetoric. The panel also considers President Donald Trump's renewed push to build his new White House ballroom in the aftermath of the attack. Next, the editors turn to New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani's plan for city-run grocery stores, whether government-backed supermarkets can fairly compete with private businesses, and why critics may have helped turn a campaign talking point into actual policy. Then, the panel discusses reports that the Trump administration is considering a bailout that could leave the federal government owning most of Spirit Airlines. The panel then turns to Iran, where uncertain diplomacy and mixed signals over the Strait of Hormuz suggest the conflict remains far from resolved. Finally, a listener asks what the libertarian view of redistricting should be and whether fair maps are ever truly possible.   0:00—The White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting 18:49—Mamdani's city-run grocery store plan 27:42—Spirit Airlines bailout 37:06—Listener question on redistricting 43:23—What is the endgame in Iran? 48:58—Weekly cultural recommendations   Mentioned in the podcast: "Shots Fired," by Eric Boehm "What If We Acted Like Political Violence Was a Problem?" by Matt Welch "Prediction: 2024 Will See Deadly Political Violence in the Streets," by Matt Welch "Charlie Kirk and America's History With Political Violence," by Nick Gillespie and Matt Welch "Politically Motivated Violence Is a Small Threat," by Alex Nowrasteh "Hasan Piker and Jia Tolentino: The Leftists Who Think Stealing Is Great," by Robby Soave "With His Grandiose White House Bal

This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch discuss the growing push on the left to "tax the rich," highlighted by New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani's Tax Day message. They examine whether America's tax system is already highly progressive, why wealth taxes and similar proposals have repeatedly disappointed abroad and in blue states, and whether New York risks copying California's mistakes. The panel also asks a broader question: With some of the nation's highest tax burdens, what are taxpayers actually getting in return? Next, the editors mark 4/20 with a conversation about marijuana legalization, the libertarian case for drug freedom, and whether concerns about public disorder are being wrongly blamed on legalization itself. They also discuss President Donald Trump's executive order expanding psychedelic drug research. The conversation then shifts to Palantir's call for national service and why so many tech leaders suddenly have grand plans for remaking public policy, before returning to Iran, where mixed signals over the Strait of Hormuz and uncertain negotiations raise fears of another drifting conflict. Finally, a listener asks whether today's political divide is best understood as two wings of a broader progressive movement rather than a clash between left and right.   0:00—Do wealth taxes ever work? 19:18—Drug legalization and psychedelics research 31:25—Palantir calls for national service 42:38—Listener question on progressivism 48:46—Is the Strait of Hormuz open? 53:24—Weekly cultural recommendations   Mentioned in the podcast: "Can This Psychedelic Help Cure Opioid Addiction?" by Rachel Nuwer Nick Gillespie on X: "Much about this @PalantirTech list outlining the requirement of 'the technological republic' is risible, none more than the call for 'national service,' a form of indentured servitude that always goes easy on the rich and politically connected." "NYC Schools Are Losing Students and Burning Cash. Mamdani Could Make the Situation Worse," by Danyela Souza Egorov "Will Donald Trump and RFK, Jr. Psychedelicize America?" by Nick Gillespie "Kat Rosenfield: Why It's Important for Novelists To Speak Freely," by Nick Gille

This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch discuss the collapse of ceasefire talks with Iran and President Donald Trump's decision to order a U.S. military blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. They examine Trump's insistence that the conflict is a win for America, what the United States has actually gained, and the mounting costs of escalation. The panel also discusses why voices such as former national security adviser John Bolton still push for escalation and why their foreign policy arguments continue to fail. Next, the editors turn to Europe after Viktor Orbán's defeat in Hungary and what it says about the limits of nationalist populism, economic performance, and Vice President J.D. Vance's endorsement of the longtime Hungarian leader. They also discuss Kamala Harris hinting at another presidential run and Eric Swalwell's exit from California's governor race amid sexual assault allegations. The editors then examine Anthropic's decision not to release its powerful new Claude Mythos Preview model because of its hacking capabilities. Finally, a listener asks whether Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the U.S.A." can still be embraced as a patriotic song.   0:00—Has the U.S. won anything from the war with Iran? 14:49—Orbán loses reelection 27:41—Democrats have a candidate quality issue 33:45—Listener question on patriotic content 39:05—Anthropic's Claude Mythos 50:04—Weekly cultural recommendations   Mentioned in the podcast: "Trump Responds to Iranian Blockade of Strait of Hormuz By Blockading It," by Matthew Petti "Viktor Orbán and His American Apologists All Deserve To Lose," by Matt Welch "Viktor Orban's Hungary Exemplifies the Perils of Nationalism," by Ilya Somin "American Presidents Shouldn't Endorse Foreign Political Candidates," by Matt Welch "<a href="https://reason.com/2025/09/18/poland-climbs-hungary-slips/" target="_blank" rel

This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch discuss President Donald Trump's escalating rhetoric around the war in Iran, including a profanity-laced Easter weekend Truth Social post. They examine what it reveals about a conflict with shifting timelines, unclear objectives, and little public support, along with the domestic consequences of the war, including rising gas prices surging above $4 per gallon. The panel also weighs Trump's proposal for a $1.5 trillion defense budget, the largest in modern history, and what it says about the administration's priorities. Next, the panel turns to the broader federal budget, where rising spending continues without any serious attempt to address the deficit. The editors then check in on NASA's Artemis program, weighing the excitement of returning to the moon against persistent delays, cost overruns, and the growing role of private space companies. They also answer a listener's question about what libertarian alternatives to Medicare for All might look like, focusing on deregulation, catastrophic coverage, and restoring price signals in the health care system. Reason is hiring! Check out the two open roles on the video team now:https://reason.org/jobs/associate-producer/https://reason.org/jobs/producer/   0:00—Trump's Truth Social Easter rant 14:57—The $1.5 trillion defense budget 22:36—The New York Times student debt story 28:55—Listener question on Medicare for All 43:41—Analyzing Artemis 51:58—Weekly cultural recommendations   Mentioned in the podcast: "'I Am Blowing Up Everything,'" by Eric Boehm "Ro Khanna: Congress Has Surrendered on War," by Nick Gillespie "Trump's Call for a $1.5 Trillion Military Budget Is Irresponsible, Wasteful, and Unrealistic," by Eric Boehm "<a href="https://reason.com/2026/03/31/10-years-ago-today-trump-promised-to-eliminate-the-national-debt-instead-it-has-doubled/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noref

This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch discuss the recent verdicts against Meta and the growing legal and cultural push to treat social media like a harmful, addictive product. Multiple juries decided that platforms such as Instagram and YouTube were negligently designed and that they contributed to mental health harms among young users, raising comparisons to Big Tobacco and intensifying the debate over which online activities are protected speech. The panel considers whether the real issue is design features such as infinite scroll and algorithmic feeds or simply content itself. The panel then examines the latest developments in the Iran conflict, where the White House has suggested that the war may be nearing its end even as the Pentagon prepares plans that could include ground troops and the seizure of Iran's nuclear stockpile. They also take up a listener question about how libertarians can make the case for community and human connection without relying on government. Finally, they discuss the deployment of ICE agents to airports during the DHS shutdown. Are those agents helping ease delays, or are they making an already strained system worse? Reason is hiring! Check out the two open roles on the video team now:https://reason.org/jobs/associate-producer/https://reason.org/jobs/producer/ 0:00–Is social media addictive? 25:29–Conflicting narratives on Iran war 38:40–Divisions on the right over Iran 41:54–Listener question on collectivism 49:06–ICE agents at airports 54:05–Weekly cultural recommendations Mentioned in the podcast: "A Jury Hit Meta With a $375 Million Verdict. The Open Internet May Pay the Price," by Elizabeth Nolan Brown"#Addiction," by Elizabeth Nolan Brown"Taylor Lorenz: Is Social Media Responsible for Bad Parenting?" by Nick Gillespie"<a href="https://reason.com/2016/02/03/hail-to-the-censor/" target="_blank" rel="noop

This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch discuss whether it's finally time to abolish the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The panel examines the growing chaos at American airports as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents begin replacing TSA officials amid the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding standoff in Washington. They explore how airport security became entangled in broader immigration debates, whether agencies like TSA and DHS serve a necessary function, and what it says about a system where basic travel operations can break down over unrelated political fights. Next, the panel considers the real legacy of labor leader Cesar Chavez and what it reveals about the influence of unions in modern Democratic politics, before turning to new evidence that blue state tax policies are driving out wealth and high earners. They also discuss a jury's decision to clear Afroman in a defamation case tied to music videos mocking police officers who raided his home. Finally, a listener asks what a libertarian, constitutional approach to U.S. action in Cuba might look like. Reason is hiring! Check out the two open roles on the video team now:https://reason.org/jobs/associate-producer/https://reason.org/jobs/producer/   0:00—Abolish the TSA 15:51—The real legacy of Cesar Chavez 28:21—Blue state wealth taxes 34:41—Listener question on Cuba 40:52—Justice for Afroman 46:27—Weekly cultural recommendations   Mentioned in the podcast: "Have an ICE Flight," by Eric Boehm "Government Shutdowns Won't Stop Airport Security If Airport Security Isn't Run by the Government," by Jack Nicastro "DHS Pledges Not To Deport Any U.S. Citizens if Congress Ends Shutdown," by Joe Lancaster "Stossel: Government Shutdown Shows Pr

This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch discuss the legacy of Paul Ehrlich, author of The Population Bomb, and the enduring impact of the overpopulation panic he helped popularize. They examine how dire predictions of mass famine and societal collapse dominated headlines for decades, why those forecasts failed to materialize, and how elite institutions and media outlets often continue promoting similar narratives with little reflection on past errors. Next, the panel discusses the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) threat to revoke broadcast licenses over war coverage the White House dislikes, before analyzing Vice President J.D. Vance's effort to position himself as an Iran war skeptic inside the White House. Then, the editors answer a listener's question about whether the Department of Homeland Security still serves a useful purpose as a centralized hub for intelligence sharing. Finally, the panel remembers Reason Senior Editor Brian Doherty by reflecting on his enormous influence as a historian of the libertarian movement. Reason is hiring! Check out the two open roles on the video team now:https://reason.org/jobs/associate-producer/https://reason.org/jobs/producer/   0:00—The myth of overpopulation panic 19:22—The FCC threatens broadcasters over war coverage 24:05—Vance positions himself as an Iran war skeptic 31:46—Listener question on Department of Homeland Security 38:55—Remembering Brian Doherty 46:59—Weekly cultural recommendations   Mentioned in the podcast: "Population Doomster and False Prophet of Ecological Apocalypse Paul Ehrlich Has Died," by Ronald Bailey "60 Minutes Promotes Paul Ehrlich's Failed Doomsaying One More Time," by Ronald Bailey "Civilization Is Doomed, Says Stanford Biologist Paul Ehrlich (Again)," by Ronald Bailey "Population Doomster Paul Ehrlich's New Forecast: 'Biological Annih

This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch discuss the escalating war with Iran and its growing economic consequences. With oil prices surging past $100 a barrel, the panel examines the risks to global energy markets and the broader economy. They also debate the war's trajectory after Iran elevates a new hardline supreme leader and launches wider counterattacks, raising fears of global escalation, nuclear proliferation, and the White House signaling that Cuba could be the next target. They also discuss the removal of Kristi Noem as secretary of Homeland Security and what her turbulent tenure says about the popularity of hardline immigration tactics. Then, the editors look at new polling showing that Americans dislike artificial intelligence more than Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), continue to view government as the country's biggest problem, and report collapsing levels of social trust. They also answer a listener's question about drug use in libertarian circles.   0:00—Economic fallout of war with Iran 10:12—China and the risk of global escalation 25:04—Noem removed as secretary of Homeland Security 35:36—Listener question on libertarian drug use 44:27—New polling on AI, social trust, and government approval 57:30—Weekly cultural recommendations   Mentioned in the podcast: "Regime Change in Cuba: 'Just a Matter of Time,'" by Matt Welch "What Is Life Like Beneath the Bombs of the Iran War?" by Matthew Petti "Jobs Are Down While the U.S. Spends $2 Billion a Day on War With Iran," byJoe Lancaster "Trump Bragged About Lower Gas Prices. Then He Bombed Iran," by Joe Lancaster "Senate Punts on Iran War Powers as Ground War Grows More Likely," by Matthew Petti "Yes, the Iran War Is a 'War of Choice,'

This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch discuss the U.S. military strikes against Iran, and why the United States repeatedly finds itself pulled into wars in the Middle East. The panel examines the White House's original narrative around the 2025 bombings of Iran's nuclear facilities and what evidence supports claims that Tehran posed an imminent threat to U.S. national security. They debate whether President Donald Trump's approach reflects a coherent strategy or a slide toward another open-ended conflict. The editors also consider Congress' reluctance to assert its war powers, the limited public support for the operation, fractures within Trump's coalition, and the risk of escalation. They also unpack the Pentagon's clash with Anthropic after the AI company was labeled a supply chain risk when it refused to drop safety guardrails on its technology, a move that will shut the firm out of federal contracts. The editors discuss what that authority means in practice, how it shapes the relationship between Silicon Valley and the military, and what it signals about AI's growing role in national defense. They also respond to a listener's question about whether regime change wars are morally distinct from other conflicts and whether preemptive self-defense fits within libertarian principles.   0:00—How does the White House justify bombing Iran? 9:11—Do the strikes on Iran need congressional authorization? 16:21—Trump's mixed messaging on Iran 29:49—Conservative influencers divided over Iran 38:18—Listener question on regime change 48:13—Anthropic gets blacklisted by the Pentagon 1:00:02—Weekly cultural recommendations   Mentioned in the podcast: "Bombed Iran," by Robby Soave "Trump Should Have Made His Case for War to Congress and the American People," by J.D. Tuccille "The Goalposts of the Iran War Keep Shifting," by Matthew Petti "Why Don't Democratic Leaders Want To Vote on the Iran War?" by Matthew Petti "Obama's Doctrine of Pr

This week, Reason reporter Eric Boehm joins editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, and Nick Gillespie to discuss the Supreme Court's decision striking down President Donald Trump's "emergency" tariffs. They examine the major questions doctrine, Justice Neil Gorsuch's concurring opinion, and whether the ruling meaningfully restrains executive power or just invites years of new litigation. The panel also considers what the decision means for businesses and foreign governments that rushed to cut deals, and they talk about what Trump's irritated response reveals about his next moves. They then turn to the Middle East, where a rapid buildup of U.S. military forces has raised fresh fears of a possible war with Iran and renewed debate over how to respond to hostile regimes pursuing nuclear weapons. A listener asks whether a libertarian dream matchup of Rand Paul versus Jared Polis could ever happen and what it would take to convince reluctant candidates to run. The editors also discuss AI, surveillance, and privacy in light of new reporting on how tech companies handle user data. 0:00–Supreme Court ruling on Trump's tariffs 10:33–Congressional authority over tariff policy 24:22–Are we going to war with Iran? 36:52–The Winter Olympics 46:45–Listener question on Rand Paul vs. Jared Polis 54:22–AI surveillance and privacy concerns 1:05:22–Weekly cultural recommendations Mentioned in This Podcast "Trump's New Tariffs Are Probably Illegal Too," by Eric Boehm "Why Trump's Section 122 Tariffs Are Illegal," by Andrew McCarty "Iran's Nuclear Facilities Have Been Obliterated—and Suggestions Otherwise are Fake News," by the White House "The Hawks Are Lying Us Into Yet Another Middle Eastern War," by Matthew Petti "The Trump Administration Plans To Deport Iranians Amid Deadly Crackdown in Iran," by Matthew Petti The post Trump Replaces Old Illegal Tariffs With New Illegal Tariffs appeared first on Reason.com.

This week, editors Peter Suderman and Katherine Mangu-Ward are joined by Senior Editor Robby Soave and reporter Reem Ibrahim to discuss the rapidly expanding global fight over free speech. The conversation begins with reporting that the Department of Homeland Security is seeking identifying information on Americans who criticize Immigration and Customs Enforcement online. They also examine President Donald Trump's $10 billion lawsuit against the BBC and the broader international trend toward regulating social media and criminalizing online speech. The panel then turns to the Federal Communications Commission chair's pressure campaign against Disney and Comcast and calls from Republican officials to investigate Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show, and what those moves say about the state of free expression in the United States. They also unpack the latest developments in the Jeffrey Epstein saga, including new reporting on UCLA professor Mark Tramo, the widening circle of consequences for Epstein's associates, and whether the moment resembles a belated reckoning similar to #MeToo. A listener asks how libertarians should think about free speech in the age of AI-generated deepfakes, before the panel examines Trump's failing tariff strategy and the growing rift between the U.S. and key allies.   0:00—DHS wants to identify online critics 05:37—The global attacks on free speech 14:00—The FCC's soft censorship 25:51—Is the Epstein saga a nothingburger? 42:03—Listener question on AI-generated deepfake nudes 51:10—Trump tariffs fail, cause global rifts 1:02:44—Weekly cultural recommendations The post DHS Wants To Unmask Online Critics appeared first on Reason.com.

This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch discuss Katherine's New York Times op-ed, "Libertarians Tried to Warn You About Trump," which lays out how Trump-era governance has repeatedly vindicated libertarian warnings about executive power, civil liberties, and the risks of trading principle for partisan advantage. The group then turns to Speaker of the House Mike Johnson's defense of warrantless Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) searches as a concrete example of how quickly Republican commitments to constitutional limits can erode once a party is in power, and why libertarian ideas so often get embraced only in opposition. The conversation then shifts to Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show and the now-permanent state of the American culture war, as political figures and influencers on the right, including President Donald Trump himself, weighed in to bash the performance. They discuss whether this cycle of outrage is simply what audiences and politicians now want, and how it crowds out serious debate about governance and the economy. A listener asks when each panelist had their own "aha" moment about the failures of the two-party system, before the editors turn to Trump's decision to continue funding the Department of Education, despite his promises to dismantle it.   0:00—Libertarians warned about Trump 13:56—Johnson complains about the Fourth Amendment 20:30—Bad Bunny and the culture wars 28:35—Trump's racist "Lion King" Obama meme 34:44—Listener question on libertarian lightbulb moments 44:34—Trump continues funding the Department of Education 52:14—Weekly cultural recommendations   Mentioned in This Podcast "Libertarians Tried to Warn You," by Katherine Mangu-Ward "Trump 2.0, Year 1: A Libertarian Nightmare," by Brian Doherty "Claiming Bad Bunny Isn't Successful Is as Foolish As Claiming He Isn't American," by Eric Boehm "Half-Hearted Halftime Outrage," by Christian Britschgi "Mike Johnson Wants To Spare ICE the Hassle of Getting the Right

On this special episode of The Reason Roundtable, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch are live from Washington, D.C., to discuss growing concerns about the Trump administration's rhetoric around elections. They dig into President Donald Trump's call to "nationalize" elections, the administration's pressure on states over voter data, and how those moves fit alongside January 6 and earlier efforts to overturn election results. The group debates how worried Americans should be about centralized election control and what it would mean for democratic legitimacy if one party gained greater authority over the voting process. The discussion then moves on to assess Trump's first year back in office, with each panelist reflecting on what concerns them most and what, if anything, they've liked from this administration. Suderman then turns the federal budget into a live guessing game of "How Much Did That Cost?" From there, the editors discuss Washington, D.C., itself, and the state of city governance, before analyzing the Super Bowl and the culture-war expectations around the halftime show.   0:00—Trump wants to nationalize elections 6:10—Reviewing the first year of Trump's second term 14:47—How much did that cost? 18:54—Governance in Washington, D.C. 27:24—Culture wars and the Super Bowl 36:44—Cultural recommendations The post Do Republicans Want To Control Elections? appeared first on Reason.com.

This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch discuss the political fallout from a shocking Texas special election, in which a Democrat flipped a district that President Donald Trump had won by 17 points in 2024, amid growing backlash to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) tactics and hardline immigration enforcement. They discuss what the result says about independent voters, the unraveling of the GOP's 2024 coalition, and why immigration politics now appear to be driving everything from a partial government shutdown to open conflict within the Republican Party over Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller's influence in the administration. The conversation then turns to Trump's decision to tap Kevin Warsh to lead the Federal Reserve and what his record suggests about central bank independence. The editors also scrutinize the administration's broader economic messaging, including Trump's Wall Street Journal op-ed defending his tariff policy and claims that inflation has been brought under control, and how those arguments hold up against the data. They then touch on former CNN journalist Don Lemon's arrest and the White House response before turning to a listener question about whether the rhetoric coming out of AI companies points toward a libertarian utopia or a threat to liberty itself. Finally, the editors discuss Moltbook, an emerging platform built around AI systems meant to govern themselves, and why it's stirring so much debate.   0:00—Democrats win special election in Texas 08:30—Partial government shutdown over DHS funding 23:13—Kevin Warsh to lead the Federal Reserve 35:13—Don Lemon indicted by the DOJ 43:10—Listener question on AI and liberty 51:54—Moltbook and self-governing AI 57:59—Weekly cultural recommendations   Upcoming Reason Events The Reason Roundtable: Live in Washington, D.C.! February 4   Mentioned in the podcast: "Shutdown Showdown," by Robby Soave "Stephen Miller's Hardline Immigration Tactics Are Backfiring," by Peter Suderman "<a href="https://reason.com/2026/01/30/the-minneapolis-shootings-underline-the-advantages-of-body-cameras-which-dhs-has-been-slow-to-adopt/" target="_bl

This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, and Matt Welch are joined by special guest Emily Jashinsky, host of After Party, to examine the killing of Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis and the Trump administration's shifting narrative about the shooting. The group discusses the Second Amendment and free-speech implications of statements being made by Trump administration officials and the Republican Party's sudden embrace of gun-control talking points, as well as the broader politics of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as the administration pushes for escalation while losing public support on immigration. The panel also discusses the upcoming Academy Awards and how political themes are shaping expectations for the awards season. A listener asks how to show up and protest against state violence while navigating the ideological baggage of left-wing protest spaces.   0:00—ICE kills Alex Pretti in Minnesota 20:00—Public support for Trump administration policy 39:07—Listener question on protesting state violence 45:23—The influence of politics at the Oscars 53:01—Weekly cultural recommendations   Upcoming Reason Events The Reason Roundtable: Live in Washington, D.C.! February 4   Mentioned in the podcast: "The Second Shooting," by Liz Wolfe "The Trump Administration Is Lying About Gun Rights and the Death of Alex Pretti," by Robby Soave "DHS Again Promises a Thorough Investigation of a Fatal Shooting After Prejudging the Outcome," by Jacob Sullum "<a class="c-link" href="https://reason.com/2026/01/26/democrats-plan-to-block-dhs-funding-after-minnesota-killing-republicans-s

This week, editors Peter Suderman and Matt Welch are joined by novelist and Reason contributor Kat Rosenfield and head of media for the Institute of Economic Affairs Reem Ibrahim to assess the mounting confrontation between the United States and its European allies over Greenland. Trump's tariff threats, talk of national security emergencies, exchanges between world leaders, and speculation about military force have pushed an unusual territorial dispute into the center of trans-Atlantic politics. The group considers what the confrontation means for NATO and trade policy with Europe. The conversation then turns to Minnesota, where masked federal agents continue detaining and harassing people in the aftermath of the Renee Good killing, prompting legal battles, disputes with state officials, and concerns about civil liberties. They also examine Trump's newly announced health care plan and what it signals about his domestic policy priorities. A listener then asks whether libertarians have any reason to want Greenland as part of the United States.   0:00—U.S. maneuvering to acquire Greenland 08:22—Trump's relationships with Russia and Europe 24:09—ICE confrontations spark unrest in Minnesota 40:32—Listener question on libertarian desires for Greenland 45:51—Trump's health care proposal 55:47—Weekly cultural recommendations   Upcoming Reason Events The Reason Roundtable: Live in Washington, D.C.! February 4   Mentioned in the podcast: "Trump 2.0, Year 1: A Libertarian Nightmare," by Brian Doherty "Donroe," by Liz Wolfe "Greenlanders Don't Consent To Becoming Americans," by J.D. Tuccille "<a class="c-link" href="https://reason.com/2026/01/15/seizing-greenland-might-be-the-least-popular-idea-in-american-political-history/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-stringify-link="https://reason.com/2026/01/15/seizing-greenland-mi

This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, and Matt Welch are joined by Reason senior editor Robby Soave to discuss the Justice Department's (DOJ) investigation of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and whether this latest tactic is just a form of political retaliation. They discuss whether there is a coherent case for the probe, how much influence presidents should have over monetary policy, and where the line is between oversight and using legal machinery against perceived adversaries. The conversation then turns to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) shootings in Minneapolis and Portland, where federal agents killed Renee Good during an immigration enforcement operation and shot two people outside a federal building days later, even as Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem brands the Minneapolis victim a domestic terrorist and local officials accuse Washington of lying about what transpired. The panel talks about accountability for law enforcement, and how Americans can watch the same videos yet reach completely different conclusions. The editors then look at the uprising in Iran and the contrast between President Donald Trump's support for protesters there and his deployment of federal force at home, before examining California's proposed wealth tax and how it might impact the state economy.   0:00—the DOJ investigates the Federal Reserve 7:54—Trump's proposal to cap credit card interest rates 12:42—ICE shootings divide the country 37:35—Iran protests intensify 43:14—Listener question on Democrats holding Trump accountable 52:28—California wealth tax 1:01:33—Weekly cultural recommendations   Upcoming Reason Events The Reason Roundtable: Live in Washington, D.C.! February 4   Mentioned in This Podcast "Demanding Charges Against His Enemies, Trump Conflates Justice With Revenge," by Jacob Sullum "2 Grand Juries Have Rejected the Gru

This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, and Matt Welch are joined by Reason senior editor Robby Soave to dig into the U.S. capture of Venezuela's sitting president, Nicolás Maduro, and what it means for the White House to claim it can "run" another country without congressional authorization. They debate what temporary American control is supposed to mean in practice, whether the capture of Maduro was legal, how war powers and congressional authorization fit into it all, and why White House officials keep framing the moment as a fight to expand U.S. influence in the Western Hemisphere. The discussion shifts to New York politics after Mayor Zohran Mamdani calls for replacing "the frigidity of rugged individualism with the warmth of collectivism," prompting a debate over his motives to use such rhetoric in his inauguration speech. They also examine Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz's decision not to seek reelection as attention intensifies around a major fraud case that gained national notice following a viral empty-daycare video. A listener question asks whether immigration policy should weigh factors like culture and religion, and what reforms could reduce corruption and conflict without abandoning the case for legal immigration.   0:00—Can the U.S. "run" Venezuela? 12:46—President Donald Trump's foreign policy ambitions 25:52—Mamdani denounces "rugged individualism" 33:46—Listener question on immigrant assimilation 44:30—Walz not seeking reelection 52:22—Weekly cultural recommendations   Upcoming Reason Events The Reason Roundtable: Live in Washington, D.C.! February 4   Mentioned in This Podcast "Did Marco Rubio Lie to Congress About Venezuela?" by Eric Boehm "Regime Changed?" by Christian Britschgi "Americans Are Increasingly

This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, and Matt Welch are joined by Reason senior editor Robby Soave to share the stories they believe didn't receive sufficient media attention in 2025. Each panelist selected a story from 2025 in the categories of politics, private industry, global affairs, and culture that deserves a closer look as we head into 2026.   0:00—Political stories that deserved more attention 11:14—The year's underreported economic stories 25:56—Global stories the media overlooked in 2025 37:19—Cultural moments that flew under the radar   Mentioned in This Podcast "The Trump Admin Wants Western Union and MoneyGram To Report on Immigrants," by Matthew Petti "Treasury Department Surveillance at the Southern Border Faces Fourth Amendment Challenges," by Tosin Akintola "Taking $200 Out of an ATM Should Not Trigger Federal Financial Surveillance," by Joe Lancaster "Banks Are Narcing on You Because Congress Forces Them To," by Nicholas Anthony "How Trump's Travel Crackdown Is Hurting Americans at Home and Abroad," by Matt Welch "<a class="c-link" href="https://reason.com/2025/12/13/discord-revolution-in-the-himalayas/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" dat

This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, and Matt Welch are joined by Reason reporter Eric Boehm to discuss Turning Point USA's AmericaFest and the GOP coalescing around Vice President J.D. Vance as President Donald Trump's successor. They analyze Sen. Rand Paul's (R–Ky.) opposition to endorsing Vance as the party's next standard-bearer, and whether this signals he will challenge Vance for the nomination in 2028. Katherine also shares what it was like attending the conference, plus her debate over marijuana legalization as the Trump administration moves to reclassify marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III. The editors then turn to the bipartisan backlash over the latest Jeffrey Epstein file release, in which more than 500 pages were completely redacted, prompting Reps. Thomas Massie (R–Ky.) and Ro Khanna (D–Calif.) to threaten charges of "inherent contempt" against Attorney General Pam Bondi. The panel also discusses the Trump administration's seizure of additional Venezuelan oil tankers, plus the announcement of new military strikes in Syria. They dig into Minnesota's widening welfare fraud scandal, and whether conservative media is using it to scapegoat Somali immigrants. A listener asks whether Christmas expands our "socialist bubble" of family and community and what that says about capitalism, socialism, and human nature.   0:00—Debating marijuana at Turning Point USA 4:10—J.D. Vance is the MAGA heir apparent 14:47—Massie and Khanna react to Epstein file release 25:14—U.S. foreign policy in Venezuela and Syria 38:09—Listener question on socialism and Christmas 47:59—Minnesota welfare fraud scandal 1:01:28—Weekly cultural recommendations   Mentioned in This Podcast "Cannavictory," by Liz Wolfe "Trump Orders the 'Expeditious' Reclassification of Marijuana," by Jacob Sullum "

Reason's Robby Soave and Elizabeth Nolan Brown square off with Breaking Points' Emily Jashinsky and Ryan Grim in a no-holds-barred debate over Big Tech. The Reason team argues that technology has dramatically improved everyday life—and that those benefits can't be ignored. Their opponents counter that Big Tech's power is inseparable from big government, and that the two can't be untangled.   Resolution: Big Tech does more good than harm. Affirmative: Robby Soave and Elizabeth Nolan Brown Negative: Emily Jashinsky and Ryan Grim Moderator: Peter Suderman   0:00—Andrew Heaton's warmup 6:31—Opening statements 31:03—Moderator questions and debater discussion 53:47—All the debaters make their case using props 1:02:10—Audience questions 1:23:25—Closing statements 1:40:20—Final debate results The post Reason Vs. Breaking Points: Does Big Tech Do More Good Than Harm? appeared first on Reason.com.

This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, and Matt Welch are joined by associate editor Liz Wolfe to discuss President Donald Trump's executive order blocking states from enforcing their own artificial intelligence regulations. The panel debates whether a single national framework for AI is necessary to keep American tech companies competitive or whether it represents a serious blow to federalism. They also examine the White House potentially reclassifying marijuana as a Schedule III drug and what that change could mean for the cannabis industry, tax policy, and federal drug enforcement. The editors then turn to mass shootings in Australia and at Brown University, including the actions of a bystander credited with saving lives at Bondi Beach, and what these incidents suggest about gun control debates. They discuss the U.S. seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker and threats of land strikes against the Nicolás Maduro regime, and cover the conviction of Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai under China's national security law and what it signals for press freedom and U.S.-China relations. A listener asks whether modern socialism reflects moral aspirations that could be redirected toward liberty rather than centralized power.   0:00—Trump blocks states from regulating AI 10:31—Reclassifying marijuana as a Schedule III drug 18:39—Mass shootings in the U.S. and Australia 26:59—U.S. seizes Venezuelan oil tanker 36:48—Listener question on optimism for socialism 46:08—Jimmy Lai found guilty by Hong Kong court 57:12—Weekly cultural recommendations   Mentioned in This Podcast "Donald Trump Tries To Override State AI Regulations via Executive Order," by Jack Nicastro "Trump Will Let Nvidia Sell Chips to China—but the Feds Will Get 25 Percent of the Profits," by Tosin Akintola "<a class="c-link" href="https://reason.com/2025/12/15/trumps-plan-to-reclassify-marijuana-would-leave-federal-prohibition-essentially-untouched/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" da

This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, and Matt Welch are joined by associate editor Liz Wolfe to sort through the political free-for-all surrounding the Warner Bros. and Netflix merger. They look at why Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D–Mass.) is urging regulators to block the deal, why President Donald Trump says he plans to get personally involved, and how Jared Kushner's role in a rival Paramount bid is reshaping the fight. The panel digs into whether this moment signals a real return to trustbusting or another round of theatrics from both sides. The editors then turn to the economy, where Trump's tariff strategy is colliding with rising layoffs and growing unease within his own party. They assess the administration's new national security posture as Congress advances a defense bill that exceeds White House requests, and discuss the uproar over Kalshi's push to turn opinion into a tradable market. Also, a listener asks whether a renewed turn toward religious faith could help the country lower its political temperature. It's that time of year when we ask you to open your wallets, dear listener, and make a tax-deductible donation to Reason's annual webathon: https://reason.pub/4pzsSOE.   0:00—Antitrust and the Netflix-Warner Bros. acquisition 19:17—Tariff failures and rising unemployment 27:43—National security strategy memo 36:50—Listener question on polarization and faith 48:13—Kalshi's controversial online gambling vision 58:33—Weekly cultural recommendations   Mentioned in This Podcast "Warner Bros. Accepts Netflix's $83 Billion Bid, but Antitrust Threats Still Loom," by Jack Nicastro "Trump's Tariffs Were Supposed To Cut the Trade Deficit and Boost U.S. Manufacturing. They're Not Working," by Eric Boehm "Ask Us Anything: Libertarians Answer Your Questions," by Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Robby Soave, and Matt Welch "Kalshi CEO Says He Wants to Monetize 'Any Difference in Opinion,'" by A.J. Dellinger "<a class="c-link" href=

It's that time of year when we ask you to open your wallets, dear listener, and make a tax-deductible donation to Reason's annual webathon: https://reason.pub/4pzsSOE. In this special episode of The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Robby Soave, and Peter Suderman respond to all of your burning questions. Nothing is off limits! The post Ask Us Anything: Libertarians Answer Your Questions appeared first on Reason.com.

This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch dig into the disconnect between strong Black Friday spending and a public mood shaped by rising costs, economic anxiety, and slipping approval numbers for President Donald Trump. They explore why so many Americans feel poorer despite higher overall wealth, how regulation and subsidies have distorted key markets like housing and health care, and what to make of polling that shows young voters warming to democratic socialism. The conversation then turns to the war crime allegations against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who allegedly gave the orders to "kill everybody" on Venezuelan boat strikes that resulted in the killing of survivors, and what limits actually exist on the use of military force. The editors also examine a new federal ban on hemp products and the damage it could inflict on a growing legal industry. A listener asks whether recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions signal a troubling erosion of constitutional protections, and the group takes time to reflect on the legacy of playwright Tom Stoppard and his long association with free speech and small government ideals. Join us this Thursday, December 4, at 2:30 p.m. ET for a special live edition of The Reason Roundtable as part of our annual webathon. Send your questions for the Reason editors to [email protected] with "Webathon" in the subject line. Watch at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaOOdtJqzmY   0:00—Economic anxiety and standards of living 18:45—War crime allegations against Hegseth 32:09—Federal hemp ban threatens industry 37:35—Listener question on ICE constitutionality 46:45—The legacy of Tom Stoppard 56:31—Weekly cultural recommendations   Mentioned in This Podcast "Toplines - Heartland Nov 2025 Democratic Socialism," by Rasmussen Reports "New Low in U.S. 'Very Satisfied' With Personal Life," by Gallup "<a class="c-link" href="https://reason.com/2025/12/01/kill-everybody/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-stringify-link="https://reason.com/2025/12/01/kill-everybody/" data-

This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, and Nick Gillespie are joined by Reason senior editor Robby Soave to discuss President Donald Trump's unexpectedly warm White House meeting with New York mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and why he now describes the socialist's agenda as "practical." They examine what this moment suggests about Trump's shifting political instincts, how it fits with his recent comments on tariffs and the state of the economy, and what the disbanding of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) signals about his governing approach. The group then looks at Trump's attempt to influence the pending Warner Bros. merger and the broader media landscape, including worries about misinformation and new reporting that major MAGA influencer accounts on X are operating from overseas. The panel also considers the implications of six Democrats telling service members they do not have to obey illegal orders and the ensuing backlash. A listener asks how to reconcile consumer benefits from intense market competition with the need to preserve incentives for long-term innovation and investment.   0:00—DOGE disbands 4:02—Trump meets Mamdani in the oval office 14:50—White House seeks influence over Warner Bros. merger 27:58—Red Scare, Oliva Nuzzi, and cancel culture 38:46—Listener question on preserving incentives in a market economy 51:29—Democrats encourage military not to follow illegal orders 57:49—Weekly cultural recommendations   Mentioned in This Podcast "Republican Socialism," by Eric Boehm "To the Socialists of All Parties," by Katherine Mangu-Ward "A Dirge for DOGE," by Christian Britschgi "How I Found Out: Part 1," by Ryan Lizza "FDR's War Against the Press," by David T. Beito "Mamdani Understands Something About Trump That European Leaders Don't," by Matthew Petti   Upcoming Reason Events Reason Versus debate: Big Tech Does More Good Than Harm, December 10 The post <

This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, and Nick Gillespie are joined by Reason reporter Eric Boehm to unpack President Donald Trump's sudden shift on the Jeffrey Epstein files after trying to block the vote, the GOP pressure campaign behind it, and what the episode suggests about his grip on the party. They also examine Trump's mixed signals on tariffs, including his move to roll back duties he imposed in the first place, and whether this moment reinforces the basic economic arguments critics have made for years. The group also digs into whether Trump's proposed tariff dividend makes any economic sense. The conversation then turns to rising tensions with Venezuela as unauthorized strikes continue and Trump signals interest in direct talks with Nicolás Maduro. A listener then asks what would need to change in order to push American health care away from government-run insurance and toward a system shaped by private plans.   0:00—The Epstein files fracture Trump's coalition 18:12—Tariff rollbacks and stimulus checks 36:17—Listener question on government healthcare 47:33—More unauthorized military strikes in Venezuela 56:54—Weekly cultural recommendations   Mentioned in This Podcast "Trump's Epstein Reversal," by Liz Wolfe "Jeffrey Epstein: Trump 'Spent Hours At My House' With Victim," by Matthew Petti "State of U.S. Tariffs: October 30, 2025," by Yale Budget Lab "Trump's Tariffs Are Likely To Make Toys More Expensive This Christmas Shopping Season," by Eric Boehm "<a class="c-link" href="https://reason.com/2025/11/14/the-trump-administration-finally-admits-that-tariffs-raise-prices/" target="_blank" r

This week, Reason editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, and Matt Welch are joined by the editor in chief of The Argument, Jerusalem Demsas, to discuss the end of the government shutdown and what Democrats actually gained from it. They examine the renewed focus on Obamacare subsidies and how both parties are struggling to articulate a coherent health care vision that moves beyond stale talking points. The group then turns to Zohran Mamdani's win in New York and what it reveals about the uneasy overlap between the abundance movement and the rising progressive wing of the Democratic Party. The panel digs into President Donald Trump's talk of $2,000 tariff "dividends," and whether it undermines his claim that affordability is "a con." They also examine the differences and similarities between modern-day liberals and libertarians. A listener then asks whether fixing America's broken health care system should start with reforming insurance or dramatically expanding the supply of doctors.   0:00—What did Democrats gain from the government shutdown? 19:34—Obamacare subsidies and healthcare in the spotlight 26:30—The abundance agenda vs. socialism 41:34—Tariff dividend checks and the affordability "con" 46:14—Listener question on health insurance 57:07—Difference between liberalism and libertarianism 1:13:11—Weekly cultural recommendations   Mentioned in This Podcast "Reopening?" by Liz Wolfe "America's Longest Government Shutdown Shows Why We Must Free Air Traffic Control from Politics," by Robert Poole "Mamdani's Win Suggests a Socialist Future for Democrats and a Rocky One for American Politics," by J.D. Tuccille "<a class="c-link" href="https://re

This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch discuss the upcoming New York City mayoral election and what a Zohran Mamdani victory could mean for both the city and national politics. They weigh the best-case/worst-case scenarios of a leftward turn in New York, asking whether Mamdani represents a lasting anti-AI socialist movement or simply the newest iteration of the Democratic big tent. The editors then turn to the governor's races in Virginia and New Jersey, where Democratic wins would signal continued strength for the party's centrist wing. They examine a federal judge's order requiring the government to keep SNAP funded during the ongoing shutdown, and then analyze Trump's tariff case as it heads to the Supreme Court and what a ruling could mean for presidential trade powers. Finally, a listener asks whether libertarians who work in the defense industry are violating their principles or simply operating within the system as it exists. 0:00–The best-case scenario and worst-case scenario for a Mayor Mamdani 8:09–Gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia 20:04–SNAP benefits and shutdown politics 29:32–Does the GOP have an Obamacare alternative? 34:57–Listener question on ethical contradictions 44:37–Tariffs case reaches the Supreme Court 55:05–Weekly cultural recommendation Mentioned in This Podcast "The Democratic Thrill for Mamdani Is a Tell," by Matt Welch "Will Democrats Find Their Way?" by Liz Wolfe "Mamdani's Socialist Mayorship Will Make New York a Worse Place To Live and Do Business," by Nick Gillespie "Zohran Mamdani's $5 Billion Corporate Tax Hike Threatens NYC's Status as the World's Financial Capital," by Filippo Borello "3 Reasons Why Zohran Mamdani's City-Run Grocery Stores Will Fail," by Natalie Dowzicky "New York City Is About To Elect a Socialist Mayor in Zohran Mamdani. Why Won't This Failed Ideology Die?" by Zach Weissmueller "<a href="https://reason.com/2025/11/01/ab

This week, editors Peter Suderman, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch are joined by associate editor Liz Wolfe to discuss Argentine President Javier Milei's strong midterm showing and what it suggests about the durability of his libertarian reform agenda. They debate whether the results vindicate Trump's earlier currency-swap bailout, how Milei's spending-cut program is playing out, and what lessons his success may hold for other governments confronting inflation. The editors then turn to Washington, where Trump's decision to impose new tariffs on Canadian goods followed an Ontario ad featuring Ronald Reagan criticizing tariffs. They also discuss the continued U.S. bombings in Venezuela, and the administration's alleged involvement in the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger, along with the symbolism of replacing the East Wing with a ballroom. The panel considers the rise of socialist Zohran Mamdani in New York City and why his ascension could have national significance. Finally, a listener asks if protests like the recent "No Kings" rallies accomplish anything.   0:00–Milei's party wins landslide election in Argentina 16:08–Trump escalates trade war with Canada over advertisement 23:51–Are we headed into an unauthorized war with Venezuela? 34:40–The Paramount-Warner Bros. merger 39:47–Listener question on the power of protest 53:57–What does the rise of Zohran Mamdani mean for the country? 61:58–Weekly cultural recommendations   Mentioned in This Podcast "Javier Milei Wins Argentina's Midterm Election, Gaining More Power To Push Reforms," by César Báez" The Government Shutdown Isn't Stopping Trump From Amassing 'Emergency' Powers," by Katherine Mangu-Ward"<a class="c-link" href="https://reason.com/2025/10/08/the-constitution-does-not-allow-the-president-to-unilaterally-blow-suspected-drug-smugglers-to-smithereens/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-stringify-link="https://reason.com/2025/10/08/the-constitution-does-not-allow-the-president-to-unilaterally-blow-suspected-drug-smugglers-to-smithereens/" data-sk="tooltip_parent

This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch examine Argentina's $20 billion bailout and what it means for President Javier Milei's promise of a libertarian turnaround. They debate whether foreign aid undermines his free market agenda and what the deal suggests about Washington's own commitment to fiscal restraint. The editors also discuss this weekend's "No Kings" protests. They analyze Trump's growing use of executive authority during the ongoing government shutdown, including his decision to keep paying troop salaries amid federal layoffs. The panel then looks to Trump's continued bombing of the alleged drug boats off Venezuela's coast, and the decision to repatriate survivors. Finally, a listener asks what checks and balances could exist in a truly libertarian country to prevent the kind of centralization of power seen in the United States today.   0:00—The U.S. bailout of Javier Milei's Argentina 15:11—The "No Kings" protests and Trump's response 32:54—Growing executive power during the government shutdown 41:45—Listener question on checks and balances 48:56—Bombing of alleged Venezuelan drug boats 57:05—Weekly cultural recommendations   Mentioned in This Podcast "Javier Milei's Libertarian Experiment is in Jeopardy. Argentina's Midterm Elections Will Determine Its Fate," by César Báez "Vast Right-Wing Astroturf Conspiracy Revealed!" by Matt Welch "Medical Mosh Pits," by Jesse Walker "Forget Obama: Trump's Pen and Phone Are Bigger Even Than FDR's," by Matt Welch "Did the U.S. Just Kill a Random Fisherman?" By Liz Wolfe   Upcoming Reason Events Mini Documentary Screening: The Socialist Housing Plan for New York, October 29 The post Does Argentina's Bailout Prove Libertarians Wrong? appeared first on Reason.com.

This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch celebrate the release of over 2,000 hostages, political prisoners, and detainees, while considering whether President Donald Trump's Israel–Gaza deal represents a genuine step toward lasting peace in the Middle East. They discuss whether Trump's foreign policy approach is consistent, examining his recent strikes in Venezuela, and whether his record abroad compares favorably to his chaotic record at home. The conversation then turns to Trump's new China tariffs, which rattled markets and underscored his erratic approach to trade policy, followed by yet another round of bailouts for struggling farmers. The editors also examine Congress' indifference amid another government shutdown and the growing sense that lawmakers have ceded their role entirely to the executive branch. They discuss a federal judge's weekend ruling that limits Trump's ability to deploy National Guard troops into U.S. cities, and what it signals about the courts' willingness to check his power. Finally, they assess the Democrats' persistent candidate-quality problem, from Virginia to California, and how it reveals a party struggling to find competent leadership. A listener asks whether a libertarian could offer a meaningful alternative in New York City's next mayoral race.   0:00—Trump brokers peace in the Middle East 13:32—Is Trump's foreign policy more successful than his domestic record? 18:03—Tariff threats escalate trade war with China 25:04—Government shutdown leads to federal layoffs 34:44—Is the judiciary the only check on Trump's authority? 43:02—Listener question on Libertarian Party in NYC 47:27—The Democratic Party's candidate-quality problems 55:36—Weekly cultural recommendations   Mentioned in This Podcast "All 20 Surviving Hostages Freed," by Liz Wolfe "What If the U.S. Cuts Off Aid to Israel?" By Matt Welch "

Reason and the Cato Institute go head-to-head with our friends at the National Review and the Center for Immigration Studies in a thought-provoking debate on one of America's most divisive issues: immigration. Resolution: Mass Immigration Is Good for America Affirmative: Reason's Katherine Mangu-Ward and Cato's Alex Nowrasteh Negative: National Review's Rich Lowry and Center for Immigration Studies' Steven Camarota Moderator: Peter Suderman Reason Versus is a debate series where Reason journalists and policy experts face off against pundits and strategists who challenge their ideas—no talking points, no shouting, just sharp arguments and real discussion. The post Reason Versus National Review: Is Mass Immigration Good for America? appeared first on Reason.com.

This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, and Nick Gillespie are joined by Reason reporter Eric Boehm to discuss Paramount's $150 million acquisition of The Free Press and Bari Weiss' promotion to editor in chief at CBS News. They examine whether this represents a backlash to "woke" media, and debate if the success of outlets on Substack and YouTube shows that journalism may be entering a period of entrepreneurship and renewal rather than decline. The panel then turns to President Donald Trump's controversial National Guard deployments to cities like Portland and Chicago, weighing its constitutional limits and political consequences. They also cover the leaked texts from Virginia's Democratic attorney general nominee Jay Jones about shooting his Republican rival, and the fallout for Democrats in a critical election year. A listener asks the editors to reflect on whether libertarians should focus more on defending freedom as an end in itself or on steering society toward specific outcomes. Finally, the conversation touches on Argentina's economic crisis and what it means for libertarians.   0:00—Bari Weiss named editor in chief at CBS News 13:32—Consolidation and the changing media landscape 20:58—Federal troops deployed to Chicago and Portland 38:17—Democrat attorney general candidate fantasizes about political violence 48:07—Listener question on prioritizing process over purpose 56:37—What Argentina's bailout means for libertarianism 1:00:35—Weekly cultural recommendations   Mentioned in This Podcast "The Future of the Free Press," by Bari Weiss "Letter To All CBS News Employees," by Bari Weiss "Domination Fantasies: Does Rupert Murdoch control the media? Does Anyone?" by Ben Compaine "Mergers & Disquisitions: Reasons not to sweat AOL-Time Warner--and other megadeals," by Nick Gillespie "Trump's Troops Return to a City That Moved On: Dispatch From Portland," by Nancy Rommelman "Sending in the Guard," by Liz Wolfe "Oregon Court Strikes Down Trump's Federalization of National Guard," by David Post "<a

This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch discuss whether the impending government shutdown will actually rein in the federal bureaucracy. They consider whether there is anything to gain from a shutdown, how past shutdowns have played out, and whether the risk of growing executive power outweighs the risk of uncontrolled spending. They also examine the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey and whether it's about retribution or substance, President Donald Trump's deployment of federal troops to Portland, and New York Mayor Eric Adams' decision to exit the mayoral race. A listener question prompts a conversation about cyclical theories of history and whether frameworks like The Fourth Turning help explain our current moment or merely provide the illusion of clarity.   0:00—Shutdown showdown and shrinking the government 9:24—Russell Vought and the growth of executive power 25:34—James Comey faces an indictment 31:38—Eric Adams drops out of NYC mayoral race 40:42—Listener question on cyclical frameworks in history 48:06—Trump sends federal police to Portland 56:30—Weekly cultural recommendations   Mentioned in This Podcast "Government Set To Shut Down Tomorrow," by Liz Wolfe "The American New Right Looks Like the European Old Right," by Jack Nicastro and Phillip W. Magness "How GOP Fiscal Sanity Died, in 7 Easy Steps," by Matt Welch "Shutdown Highlights Basic Fact: Most of Government is 'Non-Essential'," by Nick Gillespie "<a

This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch examine President Donald Trump's claim that overwhelmingly negative coverage of him is "no longer free speech," suggesting that criticism of the president could be treated as illegal. They explore how this rhetoric fits into his broader war on the press, from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) pressure that pushed ABC to suspend Jimmy Kimmel to new speech restrictions floated by senior officials, and why these moves strike at the core of the First Amendment. The editors then turn to disclosures about a closed bribery investigation involving Trump's border czar, Tom Homan, and what it signals about corruption risks around immigration policy. They assess the implications of U.S. strikes on Venezuelan drug boats and the danger of rapid escalation of tensions, along with Trump's hints about reentering Afghanistan. A listener question then prompts each editor to name the view their colleagues would likely consider least libertarian.   0:00—Does free speech cover criticism? 23:09—Holman's bribery scandal 39:09—Listener question on least libertarian views 49:28—Venezuela and Afghanistan foreign policy news 57:43—Weekly cultural recommendations   Mentioned in This Podcast "The FCC's Involvement in Canceling Jimmy Kimmel Was 'Unbelievably Dangerous,' Ted Cruz Says," by Jacob Sullum "America's Free Speech Culture Is Under Attack From Within," by J.D. Tuccille "Should Elected Officials Censor Americans? Trump's Administration Says Yes," by Joe Lancaster "The FCC Should Let Jimmy Kimmel Be," by Robby Soave "Brendan Carr Flagrantly Abused His Powers To Cancel Jimmy Kimmel," by Jacob Sullum "Pam Bondi Is Really Wrong About Hate Speech," by Robby Soave "Abolish the FCC," by Nick Gillespie "Hail to the Censor!" by Matt Welch "<a href="ht

This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch confront the aftermath of Charlie Kirk's assassination. They open with reflections about the history of political violence in the U.S. and whether reactions online are amplifying fear rather than clarity. The panel critiques early attempts to pin the blame on social media—highlighting Trump and Utah Gov. Spencer Cox's calls for new restrictions—while contrasting them with Colorado Gov. Jared Polis's argument that responsibility rests with individuals, not platforms. The panel also considers how quickly tragedies get folded into pre-existing narratives, and whether calls for broad regulation risk undermining civil liberties without addressing the real problem. The conversation then turns to attempts to punish speech, including proposals to fire public-university employees and revoke licenses for those who made offensive remarks about Kirk's death. A listener question about the books on the panelists' shelves offers a brief detour, with each host highlighting a few favorites in view of the camera. "Is mass immigration good for America?" Join us for a Reason Versus live debate on October 2 in Washington, D.C.   0:00–The role of social media in Charlie Kirk's assassination 18:15–Crisis politics and the growing censorship creep 39:30–What is the path forward? 52:30–Listener question on host's bookshelves 58:00–Weekly cultural recommendations   Mentioned in This Podcast: "Social Media Didn't Kill Charlie Kirk", by Elizabeth Nolan Brown "The Standard for 'Vicious' Speech Trump Laid Out After Kirk's Murder Would Implicate Trump Himself", by Jacob Sullum "What the Messages on the Bullets of Charlie Kirk's Assassin Mean", by C.J. Ciaramella "Charlie Kirk and America's History With Political Violence", by Nick Gillespie and Matt Welch "The Killing of Charlie Kirk: 5 Idiotic Responses on Social Media", by Robby SoaveWhat If "We

This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch dig into Sen. Josh Hawley's (R–Mo.) speech at the National Conservatism Conference, where he denounced artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies as threats to liberty. They debate why MAGA populists are embracing anti-tech rhetoric, how this mirrors parts of the labor left, and what it means for President Donald Trump's simultaneous push for AI investment and closer ties with Silicon Valley. Our editors also break down the latest jobs report, analyzing labor force participation, manufacturing losses, and whether tariffs and immigration limits are holding back growth. They then turn to New College of Florida's talk of privatization following its clash with Gov. Ron DeSantis, and what that would mean for university governance. A listener question prompts each editor to explain how they came to identify as libertarian and why the label matters to their work. Finally, the panel examines the Justice Department's move to ban transgender Americans from gun ownership. How can we make The Reason Roundtable better? Take our listener survey and get a chance to win $300: http://reason.com/podsurvey   0:00—Does AI threaten liberty? 11:53—AI social anxieties 20:01—Abundance agenda embraces AI 23:40—Trump jobs report raises alarms 32:37—New College of Florida talks privatization 44:31—Listener question on becoming libertarian 52:15—Gun ban for transgender Americans 1:04:33—Weekly cultural recommendations   Mentioned in This Podcast "Josh Hawley's Anti–Driverless Cars Policy Would Kill a Lot of People," by Jennifer Huddleston "Google's Industry Dominance Isn't Unprecedented—and It Isn't Forever," by James Czerniawski "MAGA Economics Is Losing," by Eric Boehm "A Bad Jobs Report," by Liz Wolfe "American Manufacturing Needs Relief From Trump's Tariffs," by Eric Boehm "Major Gun-Rights Groups Oppose the Trump Administration's Idea To

This week, editors Katherine Mangu-Ward and Matt Welch are joined by Senior Producer Zach Weissmueller and Senior Editor Robby Soave to unpack RFK Jr.'s tumultuous week at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), from leadership shake-ups and changes to COVID-19 vaccine access to mounting backlash from employees and former agency directors. They examine what this chaos says about the politicization of public health and the risks of concentrating so much authority in a single agency. The conversation then shifts into the brewing fight over deploying the National Guard in Chicago, weighing the constitutional questions and the practical realities of federal intervention in local crime. A listener question prompts a discussion around strategies for holding your ground when you're outnumbered in a debate. The panel then weighs in on a federal court ruling on Trump's tariffs, what it could mean for trade policy, and how it intersects with the broader libertarian legal movement. How can we make The Reason Roundtable better? Take our listener survey and get a chance to win $300: http://reason.com/podsurvey   0:00—Chaos at the CDC 9:45—RFK Jr.'s Health and Human Services report card 23:00—Trump and the Chicago crime crackdown 35:17—Listener question on debating when outnumbered 43:55—Liberation Day tariffs ruled unconstitutional 49:06—Weekly cultural recommendations   Mentioned in the podcast: "Neither Cranks Nor Hacks Should Head HHS," by Matt Welch "Is RFK Jr. 'Weaponizing Public Health'?" by Ronald Bailey "Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: COVID, Ukraine, Bitcoin, Guns, Free Speech, and More," by Nick Gillespie and Zach Weissmueller "Should Vaccines Be Mandatory?" by Matt Welch, Ronald Bailey, Jeffrey A. Singer, and Sandy Reider "When It Comes to Fighting Crime With the National Guard, Trump Says, He Can Do 'Anything I Want To Do,'" by Jacob Sullum "Chicago Next for National Guard?" by Liz Wolfe "<a href="https://reason.com/2025/08/29/federal

This week, editors Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch are joined by Reason reporter Eric Boehm to break down Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's signals of an upcoming interest rate cut and President Donald Trump's very public pressure campaign on the Fed. They discuss what a rate cut could mean for jobs, inflation, and investment, how tariffs are distorting basic economic signals, and why the Fed's growing politicization should worry anyone who values a functional economy. The conversation then turns to the administration's new trade deal with the European Union (E.U.), what it signals for tariffs, reciprocity, and the costs of everyday goods. They also field a question from a libertarian listener about the appeal of former Rep. Rahm Emanuel (D–Ill.) as a presidential candidate before examining the FBI's raid on former National Security Adviser John Bolton's home, weighing whether it's a legitimate investigation into mishandled classified documents, or a case of political retribution. How can we make The Reason Roundtable better? Take our listener survey for a chance to win a $300 gift card: http://reason.com/podsurvey   0:00—The impact of the Fed rate cuts 12:21—E.U. trade deal, tariffs, and their revenue 21:04—Cracker Barrel and the state of conservative commentary 33:07—Listener question on a Rahm Emanuel for president 42:19—FBI raids the home of John Bolton 51:21—Trump's order on burning the U.S. flag 52:39—Weekly cultural recommendations   Mentioned in This Podcast "Powell's Last Stand," by Liz Wolfe "Tariffs Begin Taking a Bite out of the Economy," by J.D. Tuccille "Trump's New Trade 'Deal' With the E.U. Leaves Out Beer, Wine, Booze," by Eric Boehm "The Europoors Are Choosing To Have Less Than Americans. It Doesn't Have To Be This Way," by Sam Bowman "Trump's Steel Tariffs Now Apply to Milk and Hundreds of Other Products That Aren't Steel," by Eric Boehm "Trump's Plans for Intel Take a Page From Bernie Sanders' Playbook," by Eric Boehm<

This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch dig into the Trump administration's increased meddling in the tech sector, from profit-sharing deals to a possible government stake in Intel. They discuss the recent spike in the consumer price index, the president's controversial pick to lead the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and what the latest data signal for the economy. The conversation then shifts to Washington, D.C., where President Donald Trump has declared a state of emergency, put the local police under federal control, and deployed National Guard troops from multiple states as part of a sweeping crime crackdown. Despite over 1,700 officers and agents on the streets last week, the arrests were no higher than an average day, raising questions about whether the operation is more about politics than public safety. Later, the hosts turn to Trump's meeting with Vladimir Putin in Alaska, where threats of "severe consequences" gave way to softer rhetoric and even the adoption of some of Putin's language. A listener question lightens the mood by imagining the Roundtable as a band, with Peter on sousaphone. 0:00—Has Trump created a banana republic economy? 15:42—Consumer price index, jobs report, and the new BLS nominee 20:54—D.C. police department now under federal control 38:48—Listener question on a Roundtable musical group 45:14—Trump's meetings with Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy 55:34—Weekly cultural recommendations Mentioned in the podcast "Intel Is Reportedly the Latest Company Trump Wants a Piece Of," by Joe Lancaster "Trump's Tracking of AI Chip Shipments Exposes Flaws in His Export Control," by Tosin Akintola "Trump Administration Plans To Tax More American Companies on Overseas Sales," by Jack Nicastro "Soaring Wholesale Prices Mean Higher Inflation Is Coming. Are Tariffs To Blame?" by Eric Boehm "Republican Governors Send National Guard to D.C.," by Liz Wolfe "<a href="https://reason.com/2025/08/15/the-government-

This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, and Nick Gillespie are joined by special guest Reem Ibrahim, head of media for the Institute of Economic Affairs. They begin with Jim Acosta's AI-generated interview featuring a deceased child urging gun control, using it as a springboard to discuss nationwide declines in violent crime and the political tendency to focus on banning specific tools. The conversation then shifts to the White House's decision to deploy the National Guard to Washington, D.C., and the dangerous precedent this could set for using federal forces to address local crime. The panel then turns to President Donald Trump's meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska to discuss Ukraine, weighing whether it could lead to peace or embolden authoritarian demands, as well as the role of European nations. From there, they examine the decision by Texas Democrats to flee the state amid redistricting battles and the FBI's efforts to locate them. A listener question from the United Kingdom prompts a conversation about free speech restrictions and the growing use of psychological studies to justify censorship, leading into a discussion of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression's (FIRE) lawsuit against the Trump administration over immigrant First Amendment rights.   0:00—Media exploitation of children for gun control 11:02—National Guard deployed to D.C. amid falling crime rates 15:02—Trump meeting with Putin in Alaska 25:51—Texas Democrats flee state over GOP redistricting map 35:35—Listener question on free speech rights in the U.K. 47:00—FIRE lawsuit against Trump administration over protected speech 54:55—Weekly cultural recommendations   Mentioned in the podcast: "Hostile Takeover: Trump Federalizes Law Enforcement and Deploys National Guard in D.C.," by Tosin Akintola "Big Balls Attacked," by Liz Wolfe "Trump says crime in D.C. is out of control. Here's what the data shows," by Olivia George, John D. Harden, Jenny Gathright, The Washington Post "How the New Texas Map Changes the Outlook for Control of the House," by Nate Cohn, The New York Times "<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/aug/09/uk-online-safety-act-internet-censorship-world-following-su

This week, editors Peter Suderman and Matt Welch are joined by Reason reporter Eric Boehm and special guest Emily Jashinsky, host of After Party. They begin with the media's growing fixation on men and masculinity, from a wave of New York Times essays to broader questions about dating, education, and work. What does this coverage reveal about how the media sees men, and about younger male voters drifting from the Democratic Party? The panel then examines President Donald Trump's escalating tariff policy, its economic consequences, and how it fits into the administration's broader approach to trade and inflation. A listener question prompts a discussion of the National Collegiate Athletic Association's shift toward deregulation, and the growing calls to reverse course. The panel also looks at Trump's overseas business activity and the ethical questions it raises about the use of public office for personal gain.   0:00–How men are characterized in the media 13:00–The publishing industry's struggles with men 19:15–The tradeoffs of Trump's tariff policies 42:52–Listener question on NCAA deregulation 50:56–The ethics of personal profits as president 1:00:14–Weekly cultural recommendations   Mentioned in This Podcast "Your Relationship Problems Aren't Always About the Patriarchy," by Emma Camp "Yes, Tariffs Are Raising Prices," by Eric Boehm "Firing the Data-Collectors," by Liz Wolfe "Amateur Hour Is Over: College Athletes Can Get Paid by Schools," by Jason Russell "Trump Is Openly Using the Presidency To Enrich the Trump Brand," by Matt Welch "The Naked Gun Is Stupid in the Best Possible Way," by Peter Suderman   Today's Sponsors: 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 percent per session. With BetterHelp, you pay a flat fee for weekly sessions, saving you bi

This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, and Matt Welch are joined by Reason Senior Editor Robby Soave to discuss the $1.5 billion renewal of South Park and why the show remains one of the most important libertarian pop culture creations of the past 30 years. They reflect on its enduring relevance, its crude but effective political metaphors, and its broad appeal across ideological lines. The panel also revisits the Hulk Hogan lawsuit which led to the fall of Gawker and what it revealed about public trust in media, then turns to President Donald Trump's new AI executive order and the growing tendency to frame tech policy as part of the culture war. A listener question sparks discussion of Trump's deregulation record and how it connects to the One Big Beautiful Bill, followed by a look at the latest developments around a potential government shutdown.   00:59—South Park's renewal and the political implications 08:19—Late night TV, the Paramount merger, and cord cutting 17:20—The legacy of Hulk Hogan's Gawker's lawsuit 28:15—Trump's anti-woke AI executive order 36:05—Listener question on Trump's deregulation track record 42:24—Are we heading toward another government shutdown? 50:52—Weekly cultural recommendations   Mentioned in This Podcast "South Park Libertarians," by Nick Gillespie and Jesse Walker "The FCC's Paramount/Skydance Decision Aims To Reshape Broadcast Journalism by Bureaucratic Fiat," by Jacob Sullum "Meet Stephen Colbert's Biggest Fans: Congressional Democrats," by Robby Soave "By Settling Trump's Laughable Lawsuit Against CBS, Paramount Strikes a Blow at Freedom of the Press," by Jacob Sullum "Gawker Was Killed for Publishing Embarrassing Truths. That's Bad News," By Brian Doherty "Gawker Documentary Fails to Make Case for Publishing Sex Tape," by Glenn Garvin "'Woke' AI Is the Latest Threat to Free Speech," by Elizab

This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch examine what, if anything, the Jeffrey Epstein saga reveals about the MAGA movement and its ties to conspiracy culture. They debate whether the scandal could derail President Donald Trump's agenda or simply reinforce the need for more government transparency. The editors also weigh in on Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard's explosive allegations that former President Barack Obama and his administration engaged in a "treasonous conspiracy" to discredit Trump's 2016 victory. Then they turn to the GOP's $9 billion Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) rescission bill and its impact on public broadcasting. Plus, a listener question prompts reflections on how the Roundtable crew really gets along behind the scenes.   00:26—Epstein conspiracies come full circle 06:13—The Epstein files and government transparency 16:52—Trump's made-for-TV administration showing cracks 21:42—Gabbard and the treasonous conspiracy accusations 38:03—Listener question on panelist relationships 45:27—DOGE rescissions and public broadcasting cuts 56:08—The declining influence of institutional media 1:00:28—Weekly cultural recommendations   Mentioned in This Podcast "The Case Against Ross Ulbricht Was About Government Power," by Katherine Mangu-Ward "Free Ross Day One," by Nick Gillespie "Trump, Who Wants To 'Straighten Out the Press,' Sues The Wall Street Journal Over 'Fake' Epstein Letter," by Jacob Sullum "Enigmas Never Age," by Liz Wolfe "MAGA's Epstein Files Fight Shows the Long Tail of QAnon," by Elizabeth Nolan Brown "The CEO of NPR Made the Best Case for Defunding It," by Billy Binion "The Senate Was Right To Defund NPR and PBS," by Robby Soave "How To Keep Your Radio Station Going When the Government's Checks Don't Come," by Jesse Walker <p