logo
episode-header-image
May 2025
42m 55s

Musk out, tariffs in tatters: is MAGA in...

GLOBAL
About this episode

A trade court has smacked down Donald Trump's "Liberation Day" sweeping tariff plans. Three judges ruled that the US president had pushed the boundaries of his own executive authority beyond its limits when implementing broad tariffs. Members of Trump's camp have already labelled it a "judicial coup" and insisted the decision will be overturned quickly. But this is another hammer blow to his economic plan - can he restore his credibility with the markets after months of relentless uncertainty?

Later, Keir Starmer has used an impromptu speech in the north-west to paint Nigel Farage as Liz Truss 2.0 - warning that he would "crash the economy" and trying to focus voters' minds on the choice between Labour and Reform. The next election is four years away - so why is the PM holding a campaign style stump speech to attack a political rival? And will it work?

The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Up next
Today
Can Zack Polanski win Keir Starmer's old seat?
After a bit of will he won't he, Zack Polanski has thrown his hat into the ring and announced he will stand in Keir Starmer's old seat of Holborn and St Pancras (subject to the approval of the local Green party).It's a high stakes move for the Green leader. If he wins, in what sh ... Show More
38m 19s
Yesterday
Why is Burnham getting blamed for a global debt crisis?
Andy Burnham faced Kemi Badenoch for his first PMQs and while she chose to open the session with some innuendo, the hard questions soon came. Burnham has shown himself adept at diagnosis but less quick to nail his solutions to the mast. How long does he have to NOT answer questio ... Show More
36m 58s
Sep 1
Has Keir Starmer performed his final U-turn?
It's the first day back at school - and Keir Starmer suddenly announces he’s out. He'd sad he'd stay as an MP just a few weeks ago - so why the change of heart? Is it a cheeky bid to wrestle the headlines from his successor? Or is he just trying to get out of Burnham's way? And w ... Show More
37m 1s
Recommended Episodes
Aug 2025
Trump tariffs ruled illegal by US appeals court
They’ve been a key pillar of President Trump’s second term, but now a US appeals court has ruled that most of his sweeping trade tariffs are illegal. Trump says their removal would be a ‘disaster,’ but the final decision will rest with the Supreme Court. So what next for Trump’s ... Show More
51m 57s
May 2025
Duties bound: a Trump-tariff smackdown
<p>The US Court of International Trade ruled that Donald Trump’s so-called fentanyl and Liberation Day tariffs constituted <a href="https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2025/05/29/the-courts-block-trumps-tariffs-can-he-circumvent-them?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio ... Show More
23m 15s
May 2025
Have Trump's tariff dreams been shattered?
It’s been a chaotic day in the United States.This morning, we heard the news that a court in the US has blocked Donald Trump’s tariffs.Later this evening, we found out that Trump's tariff plan was temporarily reinstated while a court considers a White House appeal.In between that ... Show More
27m 1s
Nov 2025
Supreme Court questions emergency Trump tariffs
US Supreme Court justices appeared sceptical of Donald Trump’s use of emergency powers to impose tariffs, and Argentine President Javier Milei has rejected investor calls to allow the peso to float freely. Plus, contentious bankruptcy proceedings for First Brands begin today. Men ... Show More
10m 27s
Nov 2025
Will Trump’s Tariffs Survive the Supreme Court?
On Wednesday, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a case that could reverse President Trump’s sweeping tariffs, and potentially upend the central piece of his economic policy. WSJ’s James Romoser breaks down the case on both sides and explains why some conservative justices ... Show More
25m 11s
May 2025
Duties bound: a Trump-tariff smackdown
The US Court of International Trade ruled that Donald Trump’s so-called fentanyl and Liberation Day tariffs constituted executive overreach. Now what? Artificial intelligence is on a wild ride through a well-known hype cycle—and is arriving at a “trough of disillusionment” (8:49) ... Show More
23m 15s
May 2025
Did a Wine Importer Just Sink Trump’s Trade War?
<p>A panel of federal judges ruled on Wednesday that many of President Trump’s tariffs were illegal, a decision that has threatened to derail his trade agenda.</p><p>Victor Schwartz, the wine importer at the center of the case, explains why he decided to take on the president, an ... Show More
23m 37s
Apr 2025
Doomed traders: Trump’s tariff fallout
<p>Since Donald Trump announced punishing tariffs on “Liberation Day” last week, stock markets have fallen and governments and businesses scrambled to respond. Our correspondent discusses the impact on the <a href="https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2025/04/06/trumps ... Show More
21m 20s