Bulwark Takes: New Poll: Trust In Trump's Economy Dwindles Amid Recession Fears & Tariff Chaos

Release Date: March 12, 2025
Hosts: Andrew Egger & Sam Stein
Podcast: The Bulwark
Description: In this episode of Bulwark Takes, Andrew Egger and Sam Stein delve into the latest developments surrounding President Trump's economic policies, including escalating trade tensions with Canada, growing recession fears, and the resulting impact on public trust.

1. Escalating Trade War with Canada

The episode kicks off with Andrew Egger and Sam Stein discussing the intensifying trade conflict between the United States and Canada. Andrew introduces the topic by highlighting the "unprecedented levels of stupidity" in the current trade war, setting the tone for a critical analysis.

Andrew Egger [00:00]:

"talk about the latest and greatest in the trade war with our good buddy Canada, which is kind of reaching, heretofore unthought of levels of stupidity, kind of across the board."

Sam Stein responds by clarifying his stance, emphasizing his empathy towards Canada despite criticizing the tariffs.

Sam Stein [00:19]:

"I do actually appreciate you and I feel bad. I was laughing at the stupidity of the tariffs, not at the economic harm that they're causing you."

2. Howard Lutnick’s Rhetorical Posturing

Andrew and Sam bring attention to a recent clip featuring Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who staunchly defends the administration's trade policies. Lutnick asserts the significance of these policies, dismissing concerns about potential economic downturns.

Howard Lutnick [01:22]:

"These policies are the most important thing America has ever had."

Sam Stein [03:17]:

"It's real world consequences stuff. Right?"

Andrew interprets Lutnick's statements as part of an ongoing inconsistent messaging strategy from the Trump administration, especially regarding recession fears.

Andrew Egger [03:17]:

"Howve Lutnick is saying, well, is it worth it? Of course it's worth it."

3. Declining Public Trust in Trump's Economic Management

The hosts discuss recent polling data indicating a significant drop in public confidence in Trump's handling of the economy. Initial optimism has waned as voters respond to mixed economic signals and policy-induced instability.

Andrew Egger [05:04]:

"In the CNN poll this morning are pretty bad when it comes to the economy."

Sam Stein [05:50]:

"It is a bait and switch."

Sam elaborates on how early positive expectations have diminished due to unmet promises and the administration's ambiguous messaging about economic challenges.

4. Economic Policies and Their Social Impact

A critical segment focuses on the broader social implications of Trump's economic policies, particularly mass deportations. The hosts examine how these policies contribute to economic uncertainty and adversely affect businesses.

Sam Stein [08:02]:

"That's just one sort of anecdote here. But if you start ramping up deportations, that too will have an economic impact."

Using PUMA’s recent layoffs as a case study, Sam illustrates the tangible effects of economic policies on the private sector.

Andrew Egger [08:14]:

"They are laying off 500 people globally."

5. Rising Nationalism in Canada and Greenland

The discussion shifts to the geopolitical repercussions of Trump's trade war, highlighting a surge in nationalism within Canada and Greenland. These nations are increasingly uniting in opposition to perceived American aggression.

Sam Stein [10:09]:

"It's like, no, I understood. I mean, I, it was disgusting and cynical, but I get like that the Mexicans, because they were brown and from, you know..."

Andrew Egger [12:25]:

"It's very depressing now to see us being like the new boogeyman that gets to be the big evil force that helps other smaller nations find their way to national fervor."

6. Internal Administration Turmoil

Andrew and Sam speculate on internal conflicts within the Trump administration, particularly targeting Howard Lutnick as a focal point for leaked internal criticisms. This disarray is portrayed as undermining the administration's cohesive economic strategy.

Sam Stein [14:22]:

"There's a Politico piece... allies are blaming him (Howard Lutnick) for the scattered economic agenda."

Andrew Egger [15:11]:

"These pieces leaking out, you know, people constantly shooting each other in the press."

7. Lack of Coherent Economic Strategy

The hosts critique the absence of a consistent economic plan, attributing the current chaos to Trump's impulsive policy decisions. They argue that this unpredictability erodes both domestic and international confidence in America's economic trajectory.

Andrew Egger [14:22]:

"The plan is for Trump to get up every day and ad lib. Right?"

Sam Stein [15:11]:

"He's struggling to message around."

8. Conclusion: Dwindling Support and Future Implications

In wrapping up, Andrew and Sam reflect on the diminishing support for Trump’s economic policies beyond his core base. They caution that continued instability and broken promises may further alienate moderate voters, jeopardizing Trump’s political standing.

Andrew Egger [15:40]:

"We can probably leave it there. What do you think? Anything else you want to get off your chest before we get off?"

Sam Stein [15:47]:

"Hopefully people are the country above us."

The episode concludes with a hopeful note for listener engagement, urging subscriptions and sharing of the podcast.

Key Takeaways:

• Trade War with Canada: Intensifying tariffs deemed economically damaging and poorly strategized.
• Public Trust Decline: Recent polls show significant erosion of confidence in Trump's economic management.
• Economic Policies Impact: Mass deportations and erratic tariffs lead to business instability and layoffs.
• Geopolitical Backlash: Rising nationalism in Canada and Greenland as pushback against U.S. policies.
• Internal Administration Struggles: Leaks and internal conflicts signal disarray within the Trump economic team.
• Future Outlook: Continued policy chaos risks further loss of support beyond Trump's loyal base.

Notable Quotes:

• Howard Lutnick [01:22]: "These policies are the most important thing America has ever had."
• Sam Stein [05:50]: "It is a bait and switch."
• Andrew Egger [12:25]: "It's very depressing now to see us being like the new boogeyman..."
• Andrew Egger [14:22]: "The plan is for Trump to get up every day and ad lib."

This comprehensive analysis by Andrew Egger and Sam Stein provides listeners with a critical perspective on the current state of Trump's economic policies, the resulting public sentiment, and the broader implications for both domestic and international relations.