Raging Moderates with Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov: "Trump Blinks on China"

Released: May 13, 2025 | Host/Author: Vox Media Podcast Network

In this episode of Raging Moderates, bestselling author, professor, and entrepreneur Scott Galloway engages in a lively discussion with Tim Miller, a political strategist and co-founder of The Bulwark. The conversation delves into pressing political issues from a centrist perspective, focusing on recent developments involving former President Donald Trump, U.S. trade policies, immigration, and the state of the Democratic Party. The episode also touches upon the historic election of the first American Pope, providing a multifaceted analysis of current political dynamics.

1. Trump and the Qatari Bribe Scandal

Scott Galloway opens the episode by addressing the scandal involving Trump potentially receiving a $400 million bribe from Qatar in the form of a luxury jet.

• Trump's Enticement to Qatar:
  • "Trump Blinks on China..." – [05:48]
• Implications of Corruption:
  • Galloway critiques the blatant corruption, highlighting how it undermines U.S. integrity.
  • "Taking a $400 million bribe from another country... is insane." – Galloway [06:15]

Tim Miller further elaborates on the hypocrisy and corruption, emphasizing the damage to geopolitical relationships and domestic policies.

• "It's about corruption and hypocrisy... taking away green cards while accepting bribes from the same nation funding protests." – Miller [06:45]

2. U.S. Trade Policies: Tariffs on the UK and China

The discussion shifts to Trump's recent trade agreements and tariff adjustments.

• Tariffs on the UK:
  • "Trump announced a new trade framework with the UK that lowers tariffs, but only on luxury cars..." – Galloway [15:37]
• Temporary Truce with China:
  • "US and China agreed to a 90-day truce, rolling back some tariffs." – Galloway [16:02]
  • "The US will slash its tariff on Chinese goods from 145% to 30% while China lowers its own tariffs from 125% to 10%." – Galloway [16:08]

Tim Miller criticizes the partial rollback, arguing that it imposes a 20% tax on American consumers without substantial benefits.

• "We still put a 20% sales tax increase on Americans for nothing." – Miller [16:37]

3. U.S.-China Relations and Global Economic Impacts

Galloway and Miller explore the broader ramifications of the U.S. trade policies on global economics and America's standing.

• Economic Consequences:
  • "US becoming the economy of toxic uncertainty... lowers the price-earnings multiple." – Galloway [24:39]
  • "Less foreign trust in the U.S. as a trading partner leads to increased costs for businesses and consumers." – Galloway [24:45]

Miller highlights China's strategic advantage gained from these policies, noting increased global trust in China over the U.S.

• "We've eliminated any soft power we have... China fills that void." – Miller [27:30]

4. Immigration Policies and Deportations

The episode critically examines the Trump administration's aggressive immigration tactics, including deportations to Libya and other countries with questionable human rights records.

• Extreme Deportation Measures:
  • "A federal judge blocked the planned deportation of detainees to Libya." – Galloway [32:17]
  • "Two young men from El Salvador, brought to the U.S. as children, are being deported despite having no ties to their home country." – Miller [32:45]

Tim Miller argues that these policies are primarily fear tactics intended to deter future migrants, despite their moral and ethical implications.

• "It's a signal to the world that people aren't welcome here anymore." – Miller [32:30]
  • "These deportations are immoral and an affront to American values." – Miller [35:15]

5. Democratic Party Weaknesses and Leadership

The conversation transitions to the challenges facing the Democratic Party, including leadership deficits and disconnect from the working class.

• Lack of Strong Candidates:
  • "Democrats have a weak bench... leaders like Jeffries and Schumer are inadequate." – Galloway [48:12]
  • "Emerging candidates like Wes Moore and John Fetterman have potential but face significant hurdles." – Miller [49:04]

Scott Galloway expresses concern over the party's inability to connect with a broader electorate, emphasizing the need for candidates who resonate with non-elite voters.

• "Democrats feel very weak and disconnected... they need to recruit people more aligned with working-class interests." – Galloway [45:25]

6. Historic Election of the First American Pope

Highlighting a significant event, Galloway and Miller discuss the election of Cardinal Robert Previs as Pope Leo XIV, the first American to lead the Catholic Church.

• Papal Message and Implications:
  • "Pope Leo XIV called for peace in Ukraine and Gaza, emphasizing care for the vulnerable." – Galloway [54:26]
• Potential Progressive Path:
  • "His background suggests a continuation of Pope Francis's humanistic values." – Miller [55:00]

Tim Miller reflects on the positive reception within his personal circles and the potential for the new Pope to influence American values positively.

• "He's someone who cares about humanity, in contrast to the self-centeredness seen in current U.S. leadership." – Miller [55:01]

7. Personal Insights and Emotional Impact

Towards the end of the episode, Scott and Tim share personal reflections on their lives, the emotional toll of political turmoil, and coping mechanisms.

• Scott Galloway's Reflections:
  • "Politics is really rattling me and taking a toll on me emotionally." – Galloway [67:02]
• Tim Miller's Coping Strategies:
  • "I compartmentalize, channel my anger into content, and spend quality time with family." – Miller [67:15]

Galloway appreciates Miller's authenticity and courage, emphasizing the importance of their dialogue.

• "Your voice is really important... I genuinely appreciate that." – Galloway [70:11]

Conclusion

In this episode, Scott Galloway and Tim Miller provide a thorough and engaging analysis of several critical political issues facing the United States. From the ethical implications of Trump's dealings with Qatar to the broader economic and geopolitical consequences of U.S. trade policies, the discussion underscores the complex interplay between domestic policies and global perceptions. The episode also sheds light on deep-seated challenges within the Democratic Party and offers a nuanced perspective on the historic election of an American Pope. Personal anecdotes and emotional reflections further humanize the political discourse, making the conversation relatable and impactful for listeners.

Notable Quotes:

• "Taking a $400 million bribe from another country... is insane." – Scott Galloway [06:15]
• "We've become the land or the economy of toxic uncertainty." – Scott Galloway [24:39]
• "These deportations are immoral and an affront to American values." – Tim Miller [35:15]
• "Your voice is really important... I genuinely appreciate that." – Scott Galloway [70:11]

Key Takeaways:

• The Trump-Qatari scandal highlights significant corruption and ethical concerns within U.S. politics.
• Recent U.S. trade policies, particularly tariffs on the UK and China, have far-reaching economic and geopolitical consequences.
• Aggressive immigration strategies under the Trump administration raise moral questions and impact America's global standing.
• The Democratic Party faces leadership challenges and needs to better connect with the working class to regain strength.
• The election of the first American Pope, Pope Leo XIV, may signify a shift towards more progressive and humanistic values within the Catholic Church.
• Personal resilience and authentic dialogue are crucial in navigating the emotional toll of political instability.

This comprehensive discussion offers valuable insights for listeners seeking to understand the complexities of current political landscapes and encourages a centrist approach to navigating these turbulent times.