The Find Out Podcast - Episode 30: "Trump Raised Taxes—and MAGA’s Clapping"

Release Date: July 31, 2025

Overview

In the 30th episode of The Find Out Podcast, hosts Tim, Zach, and Luke delve into the latest economic policies under former President Donald Trump, particularly focusing on the recent tax hikes and the surprising support they’re receiving from MAGA supporters. The discussion weaves through the implications of Trump's tariffs, the impact on everyday Americans, and the broader political ramifications. Additionally, the episode touches on cultural phenomena, including the handling of Jeffrey Epstein-related revelations and the rise of right-wing echo chambers. The trio also introduces a new segment, "Get With Luke," adding fresh dynamics to their ongoing conversations.

Introduction and Set-Up [00:00 - 01:38]

The episode kicks off with a brief introduction where Tim announces the milestone of reaching episode 30. He humorously notes the absence of other team members who are busy with personal commitments like tending to babies and attending conferences.

Notable Quote:

• Zach [00:34]: "So you're going to be getting washed away by a tsunami."

The hosts briefly discuss their colleague's experience with a significant earthquake and tsunami, injecting humor into what could be a tense topic.

Economic Analysis: Trump’s Tariffs and Taxation [01:38 - 06:05]

The main discussion revolves around Trump's economic policies, specifically his implementation of tariffs and the unexpected support from MAGA enthusiasts.

Key Points:

• The economy showed growth in the first half of the year, but underlying issues like reduced consumer spending and incomplete tariff implementations suggest future instability.
• Trump promised lower prices through tariffs, but the hosts express skepticism about the effectiveness of tariffs in achieving this goal.
• Josh Hawley's proposal to distribute $600 to individuals from tariff revenue is discussed as a potential, albeit limited, relief measure.

Notable Quotes:

• Luke [02:32]: "I hate when people talk about that because, like, even if he... it's just not how it works."
• Tim [04:50]: "It's a tax."
• Zach [05:12]: "This is the first time that Americans have ever cheered for the fact that their taxes are going up."

The panel critiques the Republican framing of tariffs as revenue-boosting taxes, emphasizing the regressive nature of such policies and their disproportionate impact on average Americans.

The EU Tariff Deal: A Political Win for Trump [06:05 - 08:32]

The hosts analyze the recent agreement between the Trump administration and the European Union, which imposes a 15% tariff on EU goods entering the U.S.

Key Points:

• While Trump hailed the deal as an "amazing" victory, the hosts argue it’s detrimental to American consumers due to increased costs on imported goods.
• The political optics of the deal are examined, suggesting Trump scores a win by appearing strong, despite the negative economic repercussions for the average person.

Notable Quotes:

• Luke [07:09]: "Trump looks at it from the perspective of revenue generation."
• Zach [07:55]: "Wins optically, but the American people lose every time."

The discussion underscores the disconnect between Trump's perceived political victories and the tangible negative impacts on everyday Americans.

Impact on Undocumented Immigrants and Tax Revenue [08:32 - 10:21]

The conversation shifts to Trump's immigration policies, particularly the mass deportations and their economic consequences.

Key Points:

• Deporting undocumented immigrants, who contribute significantly to tax revenue, results in a net financial loss.
• The hosts highlight the broader fiscal challenges, including a looming $2-4 trillion budget deficit, exacerbated by these policies.

Notable Quotes:

• Tim [09:04]: "We've lost the tax revenue from the undocumented, undocumented immigrants, then you're only up 50 billion."
• Zach [10:21]: "Two trillion?"
• Luke [10:21]: "Oh yeah, yeah."

The panel emphasizes the economic inefficiency of Trump's immigration crackdown, where the short-term gains from taxes are outweighed by long-term fiscal deficits.

Political Accountability and Voter Awareness [10:21 - 13:25]

The hosts discuss the erosion of Trump’s support among swing voters and the realization among his initial supporters that their expectations were unmet.

Key Points:

• Trump’s approval among independents is declining as voters realize the consequences of his policies.
• The importance of voter awareness and attentiveness is underscored, as many felt "conned" by the discrepancy between promises and outcomes.

Notable Quotes:

• Zach [11:23]: "Those idiots in the middle that didn't pay attention are just realizing how they got fucking conned."
• Luke [13:25]: "Trump is actually, if anybody wants to give him like credit for one thing, he's delivering on his promises."

The discussion bridges economic policies with political fallout, illustrating how policy failures translate into political losses.

Right-Wing Echo Chambers and Media Dynamics [13:25 - 21:08]

The conversation shifts to the role of right-wing media figures like Ben Shapiro and Andrew Schulz in shaping Trump’s narrative, especially concerning controversial topics like the Epstein scandal.

Key Points:

• The hosts criticize right-wing media for downplaying or altering narratives to protect Trump’s image.
• The paradox of supporters praising anti-establishment moves while ignoring critical policy failures is explored.

Notable Quotes:

• Zach [15:33]: "Don't pretend that you're some kind of fucking staunch defender of these folks that are starving when you can't even fucking pull up the stones to talk to the people that are in control of this shit."
• Tim [19:44]: "Jeffrey Epstein. There's a photo of Jeffrey Epstein at the Marla Maples wedding, which I think was in 93."

The panel highlights the contradictions and cognitive dissonance within the MAGA support base, particularly in handling high-profile scandals.

Trump's Personal Conduct and Public Perception [21:08 - 35:59]

The hosts transition to discussing Trump's personal behavior, particularly his golfing habits and public persona, juxtaposing his private actions with his public image.

Key Points:

• Trump's golf swing and reliance on his caddies are humorously critiqued.
• Personal anecdotes and humorous takes on Trump's interactions with staff and his handling of public appearances provide levity amid serious discussions.

Notable Quotes:

• Luke [23:21]: "He's a bad person, right?"
• Zach [24:07]: "He's a bad person, right?"
• Tim [24:29]: "That's why he does."

This segment humanizes Trump in a negative light, emphasizing his personal flaws and the dissonance between his self-presentation and actual behavior.

Gun Control Debate and Solutions [36:02 - 47:42]

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing gun control, the Second Amendment, and proposed solutions to gun violence in the U.S.

Key Points:

• The hosts argue against the notion that more guns lead to greater safety, citing statistics on accidental deaths and suicides.
• Innovative but controversial solutions, like armed drones in schools, are critically examined.
• Legislative gaps, such as the "Charleston loophole" and the lack of universal background checks, are highlighted as factors exacerbating gun violence.

Notable Quotes:

• Tim [36:15]: "Why would you... if you don't have Bush instead of Trump. I'm like, yes, less chaos."
• Zach [38:15]: "He doesn't, like, no billionaire is going to feel it that a Fucking, you know, F150 costs 15% more. But I promise you that the fucking dumbass that wants to drive it to the job site will."
• Luke [42:58]: "I support the second amendment, but I think that we need to have some really restrictive measures in order."

The discussion underscores the complexity of gun legislation in America, critiquing both the current policies and the proposed solutions from a left-wing perspective.

Introducing "Get With Luke" Segment [51:22 - 53:00]

Towards the end of the episode, the hosts introduce a new recurring segment titled "Get With Luke," which appears to involve direct questioning and unfiltered reactions to MAGA supporters' viewpoints.

Key Points:

• The segment aims to confront and challenge the logic behind MAGA supporters’ approval of tax hikes and other policies.
• The hosts express frustration with the perceived irrationality and resistance to logical economic reasoning among MAGA adherents.

Notable Quotes:

• Zach [52:00]: "So when you talk about how well we're going to get 600 bucks on our fucking rebate because the tariffs are so good. So you get on your own liberal, bro. How stupid are you?"
• Luke [53:00]: "It's so stupid. It was very good."

This segment serves as a platform for the hosts to directly criticize MAGA ideology, fostering a confrontational yet humorous environment.

Closing Remarks and Future Plans [53:00 - 55:59]

In their closing, the hosts promote their subscription model and merchandise, encouraging listeners to support the podcast financially. They also provide updates on upcoming events, including their attendance at Netroots Nation and plans for live shows.

Key Points:

• Promotion of membership and merchandise to sustain the podcast.
• Announcement of future episodes and events, maintaining engagement with their audience.

Notable Quotes:

• Tim [54:19]: "We have stuff in our store now if you want to buy it @findoutpodcast.com so two ways to support."
• Zach [55:21]: "I'm gonna have to."

The episode concludes on a positive and forward-looking note, reinforcing the hosts' commitment to continuing their candid discussions.

Conclusion

Episode 30 of The Find Out Podcast provides a comprehensive and engaging analysis of Trump's economic and immigration policies, the complexities of gun control in the U.S., and the dynamics of right-wing media influence. Through a blend of humor, critical analysis, and direct confrontation of opposing views, Tim, Zach, and Luke offer listeners a robust and thought-provoking commentary on current political and social issues.

Key Takeaways:

• Trump's tariffs and tax policies are criticized for their regressive impact and fiscal inefficiency.
• The EU tariff deal, while politically advantageous for Trump, adversely affects American consumers.
• Immigration crackdowns result in significant economic losses despite short-term tax revenue gains.
• Gun control remains a deeply polarized and complex issue, with the hosts advocating for comprehensive legislative reforms.
• Right-wing media perpetuates misleading narratives that protect and promote Trump despite negative policy outcomes.
• The introduction of new podcast segments like "Get With Luke" aims to further challenge and dissect MAGA ideologies.

Notable Quotes Recap:

• Zach [00:34]: "So you're going to be getting washed away by a tsunami."
• Luke [02:32]: "I hate when people talk about that because, like, even if he... it's just not how it works."
• Tim [04:50]: "It's a tax."
• Zach [05:12]: "This is the first time that Americans have ever cheered for the fact that their taxes are going up."
• Zach [52:00]: "How stupid are you? It is just not that hard."
• Zach [38:15]: "He doesn't, like, no billionaire is going to feel it that a Fucking, you know, F150 costs 15% more."

This episode serves as a critical examination of contemporary politics, economic policies, and societal issues, maintaining The Find Out Podcast's reputation for honest, irreverent, and insightful discussions.