Trump’s Iran War Is Losing With Everyone (Even Republicans)

This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch discuss Republicans turning against President Donald Trump’s war in Iran as gas prices rise and the midterm elections approach. They examine how Trump, who once ran against Middle East wars, ended up in one himself and whether presidents of both parties are too tempted by their power to intervene abroad.

Next, the editors discuss the economic fallout from the war, rising mortgage rates, the growing cost of servicing the national debt, and how Trump’s tariffs, immigration restrictions, and spending policies have contributed to the country’s economic problems. The panelists also debate whether artificial intelligence could make government less important in people’s lives and whether existing laws are sufficient to deal with the risks posed by rapidly developing AI. Finally, a listener asks the editors for their best elevator pitch for Reason.

0:00—Republicans turn on the Iran war.

19:25—Trump’s impact on the economy

27:50—Listener question on the Reason elevator pitch

35:00—Will AI make government less important?

57:05—Weekly cultural recommendations

Upcoming Reason Events

The Reason Roundtable’s 10th Anniversary—Live in NYC! October 7

The World Premiere of Escaping Venezuela October 13

Mentioned in the Podcast:

“Trump’s 4-Week War With Iran Approaches Month 7,” by Matthew Petti
“The Iraq War Cheerleaders Were Wrong. They’re Wrong About Iran Too.” by Matthew Petti
“The Senate’s Failure To Rein in Trump on Iran Is Part of a Long History of Congress Abdicating Its War Powers,” by Gene Healy
“Why Did Congress Vote To End the Iran War After It Finished?” by Matthew Petti
“The Fed Can’t Fight Inflation Alone. Will Congress Do Its Part?” by Veronique de Rugy
“Is AI Going To Wipe Out Humanity? Don’t Build That Bunker Yet.” by Steven Greenhut
“OpenAI Preaches AI Safety. The Australia Incident Shows What It Practices.” by Tosin Akintola
“Half the Public Wants To Pause AI. Would Regulation Actually Make It Safer?” by Reem Ibrahim
“The ‘AI Safety’ Movement Is Making AI Less Safe,” by Matthew Petti

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