BONUS POD: "They Charge us, We Charge them" Trump's Liberation Day is Official

Summary

Verdict with Ted Cruz - Episode Summary

Episode: BONUS POD: "They Charge us, We Charge them" Trump's Liberation Day is Official
Release Date: April 3, 2025
Host: Ben Ferguson
Co-Host: Senator Ted Cruz
Produced by: Premiere Networks

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Introduction

In this special bonus episode of "Verdict with Ted Cruz," co-host Ben Ferguson delves into the recent announcement by former President Donald Trump regarding the implementation of reciprocal tariffs, marking what he terms as "Liberation Day." The episode provides an in-depth analysis of Trump's trade policies, their implications for American workers, and the broader economic landscape.

President Trump's Liberation Day Announcement

At [04:31], President Trump declared April 2, 2025, as "Liberation Day," signifying the rebirth of American industry and the reclamation of the nation's economic destiny. He emphasized the detrimental impact of decades-long unfair trade practices on American workers and industries.

Donald Trump [04:31]: "April 2, 2025, will forever be remembered as the day American industry was reborn, the day America's destiny was reclaimed, and the day that we began to make America wealthy again."

Implementation of Reciprocal Tariffs

Ferguson outlines Trump's strategy to impose reciprocal tariffs on countries that have previously charged the U.S. unfairly. The president detailed specific tariff rates, notably a 34% tariff on China compared to China's 67% on U.S. goods.

Donald Trump [12:01]: "We are going to charge European Union... it's 67%. So we're going to charge a discounted reciprocal tariff of 34%... 39% we're going to charge them 20%."

Trump rationalizes the tariffs as a means to create a level playing field, ensuring that American products are not undervalued or unfairly taxed abroad.

Reactions from Key Stakeholders

Several influential American organizations and leaders have expressed strong support for Trump's trade policies:

• Coalition for a Prosperous America [05:57]:

  "A permanent universal baseline tariff resets the global trade environment and finally addresses the destructive legacy of decades of misguided free trade policies."

• National Cattlemen's Beef Association:

  "President Trump is taking action to address numerous trade barriers that prevent consumers overseas from enjoying high quality, wholesome American beef."

• Steel Manufacturers Association:

  "President Trump is a champion of the domestic steel industry... the steel tariffs are driving that movement."

• Alliance for American Manufacturing:

  "This trade reset is a necessary step in the right direction."

• National Electrical Contractors Association CEO:

  "President Trump has consistently prioritized policies that put the electrical industry as a priority."

Additionally, political figures such as Speaker Mike Johnson, Governor Jeff Landry of Louisiana, Senator Jim Banks, and Senator Bill Cassidy have lauded the tariffs for protecting American jobs and industries.

Economic Implications and Long-Term Benefits

Ferguson discusses the anticipated positive outcomes of the tariffs:

1. Protection of Domestic Industries: By imposing higher tariffs on foreign goods, American manufacturers and workers are better shielded from international competition.
2. Job Creation: The tariffs are expected to spur job growth in sectors like steel, automotive, and agriculture.
3. Economic Independence: Trump's policies aim to reduce reliance on foreign imports, fostering a self-sufficient economy.
4. National Debt Reduction: Increased domestic production and economic growth could contribute to lowering the national debt through higher tax revenues.

Counterarguments and Media Portrayal

Despite the strong support from various sectors, Ferguson acknowledges the media's likely negative portrayal of the tariffs, branding them as the onset of a trade war that could harm the economy. However, he counters this by highlighting the unanimous support from key American industries and workers who see the tariffs as overdue measures necessary for fair trade.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Verdict with Ted Cruz" presents a comprehensive analysis of Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs, emphasizing their role in restoring American economic strength and protecting domestic industries. By featuring statements from industry leaders and political figures, the episode underscores the broad-based support for the tariffs, positioning them as a pivotal move toward economic revitalization and independence.

Notable Quotes

• Donald Trump [04:31]: "Our country and its taxpayers have been ripped off for more than 50 years. But it is not going to happen anymore."
• Coalition for a Prosperous America [05:57]: "President Trump's decision to implement a baseline tariff is a game-changing shift that prioritizes American manufacturing."
• Steel Manufacturers Association [05:57]: "President Trump is a champion of the domestic steel industry... driving that movement."
• Donald Trump [09:49]: "This is our declaration of economic independence. For years, hardworking American citizens were forced to sit on the sidelines... but now it's our turn to prosper."
• Ben Ferguson [15:16]: "These are countries that are doing this to us first and have been doing it at a much higher rate. We are not going back with the same number that they're putting on our goods and services."

Final Thoughts

This episode serves as an essential resource for understanding the strategic underpinnings and anticipated impacts of Trump's tariff policies. By dissecting speeches, stakeholder reactions, and economic forecasts, Ben Ferguson provides listeners with a nuanced perspective on what "Liberation Day" means for the future of American industry and global trade dynamics.

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For listeners seeking more in-depth analysis and updates, subscribing to "Verdict with Ted Cruz" on the iHeartRadio app or your preferred podcast platform is recommended.

Transcript

[Ben Ferguson]

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[Ben Ferguson]

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[Donald Trump]

Something unexpected happened after Jeremy Scott confessed to killing Michelle Schofield in Bone Valley season one.

[Ben Ferguson]

Every time I hear about my dad is, oh, he's a killer. He's just straight evil.

[Donald Trump]

I was becoming the bridge between Jeremy Scott and the son he'd never known.

[Ben Ferguson]

At the end of the day, I'm literally a son of a killer.

[Donald Trump]

Listen to new episodes of bone Valley Season 2, starting April 9 on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Foreign scavengers have torn apart our once beautiful American dream. We had an American dream that you don't hear so much about. Our country and its taxpayers have been ripped off for more than 50 years. But it is not going to happen anymore. It's not gonna happen.

[Ben Ferguson]

This is a 47 morning UPD edition with Ben Ferguson. Good Thursday morning, Ben Ferguson with you. It's nice to have you on the 47 Morning Update. And this morning will be a special edition dealing with all things tariffs and the president calling it Liberation Day. The moral of the story with Donald Trump was this. They charged us, so we're going to charge them. I'll explain exactly how the tariffs work, what it means for you, and how long this could last. It's the 47 Morning Update, and it starts right now. President Donald Trump on Wednesday revealed a chart detailing the reciprocal tariffs that he will impose on other countries, wanting to make it very clear to the American people that these countries are charging us first, so now we are going to charge them back. China, 67% tariffs charged to the US including currency manipulation and trade barriers, was a perfect example of what Donald Trump was talking about. And that is exactly why he announced his trade policies on what he has deemed Liberation Day. Here's the president in his own words at the White House.

[Donald Trump]

We have some very, very good news today, and a lot of good things are happening for our country. Please sit down. My fellow Americans, this is Liberation Day waiting for a long time. April 2, 2025, will forever be remembered as the day American industry was reborn, the day America's destiny was reclaimed, and the day that we began to make America wealthy again. Going to make it wealthy, good and wealthy. For decades, our country has been looted, pillaged, raped and plundered by nations near and far, both friend and foe alike. American steelworkers, auto workers, farmers and skilled craftsmen. We have a lot of them here with us today. They really suffered gravely. They watched in anguish as foreign leaders have stolen our jobs, foreign cheaters have ransacked our factories, and foreign scavengers have torn apart our once beautiful American dream. We had an American dream that you don't hear so much about. You did four years ago and you are now, but you don't too often and for many years and decades even you didn't hear too much about. Our country and its taxpayers have been ripped off for more than 50 years. But it is not going to happen anymore. It's not going to happen.

[Ben Ferguson]

The president also making it clear he knows how the media is going to play this doom and gloom. But the reality is there's quite a few important groups in this country that are backing the President's plan and that is exactly why the president made it clear to the world that the day of economic surrender are over. Who is behind the president? Well, the Coalition for a Prosperous America chairman put out a statement saying this. A permanent universal baseline tariff resets the global trade environment and finally addresses the destructive legacy of decades of misguided free trade policies. President Trump's decision to implement a baseline tariff is a game changing shift that prioritizes American manufacturing, protects working class jobs and safeguards our economic security from adversaries like China. This is exactly the type of bold action America needs to restore its industrial leadership. Today's actions will deliver lasting benefits the U.S. economy and working class Americans cementing President Trump's legacy as the one that ushered in a new golden age of American industrialization and prosperity. The National Cattlemen's Beef association put out a statement as well saying, quote, for too long, America's family farmers and ranchers have been mistreated by certain trading partners around the world. President Trump is taking action to address numerous trade barriers that prevent consumers overseas from enjoying high quality, wholesome American beef. The NCBA will continue engaging with the White House to ensure fair treatment for America's cattle producers around the world and optimize opportunities for exports abroad. The Steel Manufacturers association also praising Trump. And again, you will not be hearing these statements from the media and that's why I'm giving them to you right now. The steel manufacturer said this. President Trump is a champion of the domestic steel industry and his America first trade policy is designed to fight the unfair trade that has harmed American workers and weakened manufacturing in the United states. The recently reinvigorated 2, 32 steel tariffs have already started creating American jobs and bolstering the domestic steel industry. President Trump is working to turn America into a manufacturing powerhouse and the steel tariffs are driving that movement. The alliance for American Manufacturing also putting out a statement talking about this is a game changer for American Workers saying today's trade action prioritizes domestic manufacturers and the American workers. These hard working men and women have seen unfair trade cut the ground from beneath their feet for decades. They deserve a fighting chance. Our workers can out compete anywhere in the world, but they need a level playing field to do it. This trade reset is a necessary step in the right direction. The National Electrical Contractors Association CEO also sang this. President Trump has consistently prioritized policies that put the electrical industry as a priority. And we recognize his commitment to strengthening our nation's economy. As these new tariffs take effect, we look forward to working with the administration to ensure that electrical contractors in the entire electrical industry can continue powering America efficiently while navigating potential costs and supply chain challenges. These are just some of the major industries that are backing the President's move. Now, of course, the media is going to tell you this is a disaster, that it's going to hurt our economy, that it's starting a trade war. President of the United States of America, making it very clear, I am here to stand up for the American worker.

[Donald Trump]

In a few moments, I will sign a historic executive order instituting reciprocal tariffs on countries throughout the world. Reciprocal. That means they do it to us and we do it to them. Very simple. Can't get any simpler than that. This is one of the most important days, in my opinion, in American history. It's our declaration of economic independence. For years, hardworking American citizens were forced to sit on the sidelines as other nations got rich and powerful, much of it at our expense. But now it's our turn to prosper and in so doing, use trillions and trillions of dollars to reduce our taxes and pay down our national debt. And it will all happen very quickly. With today's action, we are finally going to be able to make America great again, greater than ever before.

[Ben Ferguson]

President Trump wasn't the only one excited about what this can do for the country. Speaker Mike Johnson saying President Trump is sending a clear message with Liberation Day that America will not be exploited by unfair trade practices anymore. These tariffs restore fair and reciprocal trade and level the playing field for American workers and innovators. The President understands that free trade only works when it's fair. Governor Jeff Landry of Louisiana, a very important state when it comes to shipping, said this. It's pro jobs, pro business and pro America. Senator Jim Banks saying the decision by President Trump today to impose reciprocal tariffs will be so good for Indiana. Those are the manufacturing jobs that President Trump is bringing back from overseas. Senator Bill Cassidy saying the President's trade agenda can pave the way for stronger trade deals, fairer rules and real results. I'm excited to work with President Trump to make it happen. Louisiana workers and families deserve nothing less. And the president wasn't done there. He also had this to say about the reciprocal tariffs and why it is working the way that he is doing it.

[Donald Trump]

The tariffs will be not a full reciprocal. I could have done that, yes, but it would have been tough for a lot of countries. We didn't want to do that. I'd like to see the chart if you have it. Could you bring it up, Howard? This is our great Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick. Thanks, Howard. So if you look at that China, first row, China, 67%. That's tariffs charged to the USA, including currency manipulation and trade barriers. So 67%. I think you can, for the most part see it. Those with good eyes, with bad eyes, we didn't want to bring. It's very windy out here. We didn't want to bring out the big charts because it had no chance of standing. Fortunately, we came armed with a little smaller charge. So it's 67%. So we're going to be charging a discounted reciprocal tariff of 34%, I think. In other words, they charge us, we charge them, we charge them less. So how can anybody be upset? They will be because we never charged anybody anything. But now we're going to charge European Union. They're very tough, Very, very tough traders. You know, you think of European Union, very friendly. They rip us off. It's so sad to see. It's so pathetic. 39%, we're going to charge them 20%. So we're charging them essentially half Vietnam, great negotiators, great people. They like me, I like them. The problem is they charge us 90%. We're going to charge them 46% tariff. Taiwan, where they make. They took all of our computer chips and semiconductors. We used to be the king, right? We everything. We had all of it. Now we have almost none of it, except the biggest company is coming in. They're going to have. We're going to end up with almost 40%. Lee Zeldin's working to get their approvals. And it's an amazing company. Mr. Wei of one of the great companies of the world, actually, they're coming in from Taiwan and they're going to build one of the biggest plants in the world, maybe the biggest for that. But 64%, we're going to charge them 32%. Japan, very, very tough, great people. And again, I don't blame the people for doing it. It's. I think they're very smart in doing it. I blame the people that sat right in that Oval Office right over there, right behind the Resolute desk or whichever desk they chose. Japan, 46%. They were, charged us 46% and much higher for certain items like cars, you know, little items like cars. 46% were charging them 24%. India, very, very tough. Very, very tough. The Prime Minister just left. He's a great friend of mine, but I said, you're a friend of mine, but you're not treating us right. They charged us 52%. You have to understand, we charge them almost nothing for years and years and decades. And it was only seven years ago when I came in. We started with China, charged them. We took in hundreds of billions of dollars from China in tariffs. And they understood. Honestly, President Xi understood. He said, look, I understand. And the other countries, and they all understand we're going to have to go through a little tough love maybe, but they all understand they're ripping us off, and they understood it.

[Ben Ferguson]

So the big takeaway from the President of the United States of America is this. These are countries that are doing this to us first and have been doing it at a much higher rate. We are not going back with the same number that they're putting on our goods and services. And this is a time for us to have free and fair trade where America is not being taken advantage of. There is no doubt that the media is going to use this moment to attack the President. But remember the people that I told you about earlier in their statements, real American workers, organizations saying it is long overdue and this is going to be good for America long term. That is exactly why the President's calling it Liberation Day and why so many American workers are celebrating this big win. Thank you for listening to this 47 Morning Update special edition with Ben Ferguson. Please make sure you hit subscribe wherever you're listening to this podcast right now. And for more in depth news, also subscribe to the Ben Ferguson Podcast and we will see you back here tomorrow looking for excitement. Chumba Casino is here. Play anytime. Play anywhere. Play on the train. Play at the store. Play at home. Play when you're bored. Play today for your chance to win and get daily bonuses when you log in. So what are you waiting for? Don't delay. Chumba Casino is free to play. Experience social gameplay like never before. Go to Chumba Casino right now to play hundreds of games, including online slots, bingo, Slingo, and more. Live the chumba [e-mail] no purchase necessary. VGW Group void where prohibited by law 21 + terms and conditions apply. At Ameca Insurance, we know it's more than a life policy. It's about the promise and the responsibility that comes with being a new parent, being there day and night and building a plan for tomorrow today for the ones you'll always look out for. Trust Amica Life Insurance Amika Empathy is our best policy.

[Donald Trump]

Ever notice your dog slowing down and having health issues and wondering, what can I do to make them better? Well, my friend, add rough greens to your dog's food for 90 days and.

[Ben Ferguson]

I guarantee you'll see changes that will amaze you.

[Donald Trump]

Greetings naturopathic doctor Dennis Black, inventor of.

[Ben Ferguson]

Ruffgreens here, and I invite you to.

[Donald Trump]

Give your pup the Ruffgreens 90 Day Challenge. In the first 30 days, you'll see shinier coats and increased energy. By day 60, your dog will have.

[Ben Ferguson]

A stronger immune system, less shedding, improved joint function, all due to the live.

[Donald Trump]

Nutrients that you've added to their diet. And at 90 days, better digestion, reduced inflammation, improved heart health, and you may even have reduced their cancer risk. Fetch your dog a free Jumpstart trial bag today.

[Ben Ferguson]

Go to try roughgreens.com use promo code try rough. That's T R Y R U F.

[Donald Trump]

F. Go to try roughgreens.com use promo code try rough. You discover the shipping. You don't have to change your dog's food to improve your dog's health. Just add a scoop of ruff greens.

[Ben Ferguson]

Hey Clay, if there was a summer camp for critical thinking, we'd be the chief counselors. Those jelly heads in June would be intellectual warriors by August. Be a lot of fun, too. Some Bill and Ted's excellent adventure references thrown in this podcast. Like a daily dose of that, minus the campfires, archery and pranking the girls. The bonafide boot camp for critical thinking. You can get in on it for free at the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcast. Just search our names Clay and Bach. Listen and subscribe.

[Donald Trump]

Something unexpected happened after Jeremy Scott confessed to killing Michelle Schofield in Bone Valley Season one.

[Ben Ferguson]

Every time I hear about my dad is, oh, he's a killer. He's just straight evil.

[Donald Trump]

I was becoming the bridge between Jeremy Scott and the son he'd never known.

[Ben Ferguson]

At the end of the day, I'm literally a son of a killer.

[Donald Trump]

Listen to new episodes of bone Valley Season 2 starting April 9 on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.