The Charlie Kirk Show: Donald Trump's Favorite Word – Tariffs
Release Date: November 26, 2024

In the November 26, 2024 episode of The Charlie Kirk Show, host Charlie Kirk delves deep into the significance of tariffs in Donald Trump’s economic and geopolitical strategy. Titled "Donald Trump's Favorite Word: Tariffs," the episode offers an extensive analysis of President Trump's tariff policies, their historical context, and their impact on American industry and international relations. Additionally, the show features an exclusive interview with Senator Elect Bernie Moreno from Ohio, who attributes part of his election success to the burgeoning "America First" movement championed by Trump and organizations like Turning Point USA.

Introduction: Setting the Stage

Charlie Kirk opens the episode with enthusiastic endorsements from prominent figures, including a virtual greeting from Donald Trump himself, who praises Kirk’s efforts in building one of the most powerful youth organizations, Turning Point USA. This sets the tone for a discussion centered on strong conservative values and economic nationalism.

Trump’s Tariff Strategy: A Multifaceted Approach

Challenging Decades of Free Trade

At [01:27], Kirk underscores Trump’s emphasis on tariffs as a critical tool for reshaping U.S. foreign policy and domestic economic health. He criticizes the bipartisan support for free trade over the past 40 years, arguing that it has led to deindustrialization, job losses, and economic decline in American manufacturing hubs. Kirk states:

“Donald Trump is a resetting back to where how the economy should be configured. However, the over fixation on international free trade has deindustrialized the American economy.”

Economic and Geopolitical Implications

Kirk elaborates on how Trump’s tariff policies aim to restore the manufacturing base in the United States. By imposing a 10% tariff on Chinese goods and a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada, Trump seeks to protect American industries from unfair competition and reduce dependency on foreign manufacturing. Kirk highlights the broader geopolitical strategy behind these tariffs:

“This involves putting China in check. This involves stopping the hordes of criminal aliens that are coming into our country.”

Historical Context and Corporate Resistance

Drawing parallels to historical tariff implementations, Kirk references the 1964 “chicken tax” imposed by Lyndon B. Johnson, which still affects the automotive industry today. He criticizes contemporary corporate giants like Walmart for opposing tariffs, suggesting that their stance is driven by a desire to maintain low production costs overseas at the expense of American workers. Kirk underscores the strategic use of tariffs as leverage in international negotiations, quoting Howard Lutnick, incoming Commerce Secretary:

“They’re going to come and negotiate and their tariffs are going to come down.”

Exclusive Interview: Senator Elect Bernie Moreno

Campaign Triumph and the Role of Tariffs

Senator Elect Bernie Moreno from Ohio joins the show to discuss his landmark victory in one of the most expensive Senate races in history. Moreno attributes his success to the "America First" platform and the support from Charlie Kirk and Turning Point USA. At [18:58], Moreno emphasizes:

“We broke a record here at Ohio. The most expensive non-presidential race in American history.”

He details how negative advertising and a disciplined campaign exposed the shortcomings of his opponent, Sherrod Brown, particularly criticizing Brown’s stance on deindustrialization and social issues. Moreno ties his campaign's success directly to Trump's tariff policies, arguing that these measures are essential for protecting American jobs and rebuilding the industrial base in states like Ohio.

Advocating for Trump’s Economic Policies

Moreno passionately supports Trump’s tariff strategy, explaining its necessity for national security and economic stability. At [23:09], he asserts:

“We're not going to continue to destroy the working class of this country. The people who build this country are going to be rewarded.”

He highlights the detrimental effects of previous administrations on American manufacturing and lauds Trump for taking decisive action to reverse these trends. Moreno also encourages Republican colleagues to unite in confirming Trump’s cabinet nominees, ensuring that the administration can effectively implement its agenda.

Analysis of Corporate and Political Dynamics

Corporate Pushback Against Tariffs

Kirk notes the resistance from major corporations, such as Walmart, against the implementation of tariffs. He argues that these companies prioritize profits over national interests, undermining American workers by outsourcing production. Kirk’s analysis suggests that the corporate elite’s opposition is rooted in a reluctance to embrace economic nationalism, thereby hindering efforts to restore American manufacturing.

Trump’s Negotiation Tactics and Future Implications

Kirk praises Trump’s negotiation tactics, likening his use of tariffs to a strategic bargaining chip that forces other nations to reconsider their trade practices with the U.S. He predicts that Trump's approach will compel countries like Mexico and Canada to renegotiate trade deals, ultimately benefiting the American economy.

“They need to make certain that we protect our industrial base. It's also a matter of national security.”

Conclusion: The Road Ahead for America’s Economy

In the concluding segments, Charlie Kirk reaffirms his support for Trump’s tariff policies as a means to revitalize the American economy and restore the middle class. He underscores the importance of prioritizing American interests in global trade and industrial policies. The episode ends with a strong endorsement of the "America First" agenda, emphasizing that these measures are crucial for ensuring the nation's long-term prosperity and security.

Notable Quotes and Highlights

• Donald Trump on Charlie Kirk [00:39]:
  “He's done an amazing job building one of the most powerful youth organizations ever created, Turning Point USA.”

• Charlie Kirk on Deindustrialization [00:50]:
  “We must make stuff. You cannot have a software dependent economy. You must also have a hardware economy.”

• Senator Elect Bernie Moreno on Campaign Strategy [19:57]:
  “We broke a record here at Ohio. The most expensive non-presidential race in American history.”

• Howard Lutnick on Tariffs [24:40]:
  “They’re going to come and negotiate and their tariffs are going to come down.”

• Bernie Moreno on Protecting the Middle Class [23:09]:
  “We're not going to continue to destroy the working class of this country. The people who build this country are going to be rewarded.”

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Charlie Kirk Show provides a comprehensive examination of Donald Trump’s tariff policies and their intended role in reshaping both the American economy and its position on the global stage. Through insightful analysis and a compelling interview with Senator Elect Bernie Moreno, Kirk effectively communicates the critical importance of economic nationalism and the need to protect and restore American industry. For listeners seeking a deeper understanding of the current economic strategies shaping the United States, this episode serves as an essential resource.