FYPod Episode 17: "Trump's Tariffs Will Wreak Havoc on Young America" (w/ Rep. Ro Khanna) – April 22, 2025

In Episode 17 of FYPod, hosts Tim Miller and Cameron Kasky engage in a compelling conversation with Congressman Ro Khanna from The Bulwark. The discussion delves deep into the ramifications of former President Donald Trump's tariff policies on young Americans, exploring economic instability, insider trading concerns, the erosion of democratic values, and strategies for the Democratic Party to reclaim support among Gen Z voters.

1. The Economic Impact of Trump's Tariffs

Ro Khanna opens the discussion by highlighting the immediate and long-term economic challenges posed by Trump's tariff policies:

[00:00] Ro Khanna: "People are going to see that it costs more to get a car, that it costs more to get groceries. They're going to see that the country is slowing down...it's going to be harder to get a good paying job."

Khanna emphasizes that these tariffs are not only inflating prices but also stifling job growth, particularly affecting recent graduates and those in their twenties.

2. Insider Trading and Legislative Responses

The conversation shifts to concerns about insider trading, particularly involving political figures like Marjorie Taylor Greene and their interactions with stock markets influenced by Trump's tweets.

Cameron raises questions about the ethical implications:

[03:18] Ro Khanna: "We need to ban members of Congress from trading stock...You shouldn't be allowed to, as a congressman or as a president, sit there and say, I want you to buy stock and then get to decide actions that are going to have massive impact on the stock market."

Khanna advocates for the Trust Act, which aims to prevent conflicts of interest by prohibiting elected officials from trading stocks and mandating the placement of assets into diversified trusts.

3. The Rise of Techno-Feudalism and Its Threat to Democracy

A significant portion of the episode addresses the influence of tech elites like Peter Thiel and Elon Musk in shaping an anti-democratic agenda.

Ro Khanna warns against the dangers of techno-feudalism:

[24:17] Ro Khanna: "Peter Thiel basically says that democracy and technology advancing are not compatible...we have power in the hands of the most wealthy."

Khanna draws parallels to historical periods where concentrated power led to economic disparities and loss of democratic integrity, urging a progressive movement to counteract these influences.

4. The Erosion of America's Global Standing

The discussion highlights how Trump's policies have damaged America's reputation as a reliable trade partner.

Ro Khanna notes:

[17:29] Ro Khanna: "People are saying maybe we don't want to buy American...Trump is making us disliked in so many other parts of the world."

He stresses the need for the next administration to rebuild trust and inspire global partnerships based on mutual success and innovation.

5. Anti-Intellectualism and the Assault on Institutions

Cameron and Jack explore the cultural shift towards anti-intellectualism fostered by right-wing influencers.

Ro Khanna responds by emphasizing the importance of defending educational and research institutions:

[32:02] Ro Khanna: "I hate the anti intellectualism in this country...we start attacking institutions that are producing massive research."

He urges active engagement and dialogue to counter superficial philosophies and promote critical thinking among the youth.

6. Personal Reflections and Future Strategies

The conversation concludes with reflections on personal sacrifices made by public servants and strategies for the Democratic Party to reconnect with young voters.

Ro Khanna shares his commitment:

[32:02] Ro Khanna: "The sacrifices are people like John Lewis...we have to stretch ourselves, I think, to exert citizenship in this moment."

He advocates for embracing open conversations, challenging opposing views, and presenting tangible, rational economic policies that resonate with Gen Z's aspirations for economic independence and security.

Key Takeaways

• Economic Instability: Trump's tariff policies are leading to increased costs of living and reduced job opportunities for young Americans.

• Insider Trading Concerns: There is a pressing need to regulate stock trading among Congress members to prevent conflicts of interest and corruption.

• Threat to Democracy: The rise of techno-feudalism, influenced by tech elites, poses a significant threat to democratic values and requires a robust progressive response.

• Global Reputation: Trump's actions have damaged America's standing as a trustworthy trade partner, necessitating efforts to rebuild international relationships.

• Anti-Intellectualism: The assault on educational institutions and intellectual discourse must be countered through active engagement and promotion of critical thinking.

• Strategic Engagement: The Democratic Party needs to adopt inclusive and rational economic policies while fostering open dialogues to reconnect with Gen Z voters.

Notable Quotes

• [00:00] Ro Khanna: "They haven't hit fully now but over the next few months they're going to hit. And I think we just have to keep talking about the, that it was Trump's choice self-destructive policies that got us in this mess."

• [06:40] Ro Khanna: "Donald Trump tweeted out at 9:30. This may be a good time. This is a Good time to buy...he says, okay, I'm taking away the reciprocal tariffs and the stock market booms."

• [24:17] Ro Khanna: "Peter Thiel...we have power in the hands of the most wealthy. And they get to make the decisions about what they want to spend on and how they want to live."

• [32:02] Ro Khanna: "The sacrifices are people like John Lewis...we have to stretch ourselves...to exert citizenship in this moment."

Conclusion

Episode 17 of FYPod offers an incisive analysis of the detrimental effects of Trump's tariff policies on the American economy and the younger generation. Congressman Ro Khanna articulates a vision for a resilient Democratic strategy that addresses economic challenges, safeguards democratic institutions, and restores America's global standing. The dialogue underscores the urgency of proactive engagement and policy-driven solutions to navigate the complexities introduced by recent political shifts.