Episode 19: Blowing Up the Economy: Trump’s Tariff Gamble

Send us Fan MailEpisode Summary:In Episode 19 of Surviving Trump, host Bella Goode unpacks Donald Trump’s massive April 2025 tariff announcement—the largest unilateral economic move in modern U.S. history. This episode breaks down what tariffs actually are, how Trump’s new policy distorts their use, and why this isn’t just about trade — it’s about power. From market collapses and economic misinformation to ideological fantasy and authoritarian leverage, we explore how Trump is using tariffs as a political weapon—and how you’re already paying the price.In This Episode:What tariffs are and how they work in plain languageTrump’s sweeping April 2 announcement and the bizarre math behind his new tariff planWhy the tariffs were timed for now — and how they serve Trump’s political agendaHow Trump sees tariffs as tools of dominance, not policyThe administration’s surreal spin on the resulting market crashNext Episode:Episode 20: “The Fallout”We turn the lens to economists, workers, and everyday Americans to assess the damage. You’ll hear why some are calling Trump’s tariffs “economic malpractice.” How are farmers, families, and industries reacting? What’s Congress doing—or not doing? And what will MAGA voters tolerate as the pain spreads?Support the showBella Goode is a pseudonym — but the voice, research, and mission are all real. A Republican turned Democrat advocate in 2016, I was raised by middle class parents in Pennsylvania.  I’m a former marketing executive, entrepreneur, and lifelong learner with an MBA from Wharton and a Master’s in Psychology from Penn. I spent decades telling stories in the business world; now I use those skills to connect the dots in American politics.I’m here because the truth matters — and because the stakes have never been higher. Surviving Trump isn’t lighthearted. It’s clarity, evidence, and a fight for the future of our democracy.Follow my blog on Substack https://survivingtrumppodcast.substack.com