Tariffs, Ipads, and Economic Nationalism: Why Tariffs Won't Fund Our Future

Firing Lane

In this episode of Firing Lane, we dive into the seductive but flawed arguments surrounding tariffs and economic nationalism. Hosts Croaky, Non-Hyphenated American and Bonkdacarnivore explain why, despite their popularity, tariffs are far from the financial fix they’re often made out to be. With high-tech goods like iPads as an example. Our hosts walks us through the global supply chain realities and resource dependencies that make full domestic production almost impossible without massive cost increases.

We also debunk the myth that tariffs can fund a modern government, showing how an expanded scope of services—like healthcare, infrastructure, and national defense—requires far more than tariffs can deliver. And in an age of complex trade relationships, tariffs aren’t just ineffective; they’re counterproductive, risking higher prices, stalled growth, and even a loss of jobs as businesses look for more favorable markets overseas.

With humor and sharp insight, they bring clarity to the tariff debate, challenging listeners to think critically about “easy” solutions and embrace the complexities of a modern, globalized economy. If you're ready to look past nostalgia and see tariffs for what they truly are, tune in for an eye-opening discussion on Firing Lane.