Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy
12 episodes
1 week ago
“The Two-Handed Economist” delivers timely analysis of economic news from John Diamond, director of the Baker Institute Center for Tax and Budget Policy. Each week, John will dive deep into the latest policy developments — mostly at the federal level, but with insights now and again into Texas and Houston finance as well.
Why a two-handed economist? President Harry Truman famously asked for a one-handed economist, tired of hearing, “On the one hand, this,” and “On the other hand, that.” John embraces the complexity that a one-handed economist might shy away from, explaining how it all adds up for consumers, businesses, and policymakers. This show is for anyone looking for a clear-eyed, common-sense perspective on economic policy issues.
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“The Two-Handed Economist” delivers timely analysis of economic news from John Diamond, director of the Baker Institute Center for Tax and Budget Policy. Each week, John will dive deep into the latest policy developments — mostly at the federal level, but with insights now and again into Texas and Houston finance as well.
Why a two-handed economist? President Harry Truman famously asked for a one-handed economist, tired of hearing, “On the one hand, this,” and “On the other hand, that.” John embraces the complexity that a one-handed economist might shy away from, explaining how it all adds up for consumers, businesses, and policymakers. This show is for anyone looking for a clear-eyed, common-sense perspective on economic policy issues.
7: Trump Tariff Ruling, the De Minimis Exemption, and an Economy Losing Steam
The Two-Handed Economist
15 minutes
2 months ago
7: Trump Tariff Ruling, the De Minimis Exemption, and an Economy Losing Steam
John Diamond breaks down three major developments. First, a federal appeals court has ruled that President Donald Trump unlawfully invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose his sweeping tariffs. Second, a new executive order from Trump eliminates the de minimis exemption, which had allowed imports worth $800 or less to enter the country tax-free. Third, new jobs numbers show an increasingly fragile labor market.
This conversation was recorded on Sept. 3, 2025.
Clips used in this episode:
“BREAKING: U.S. appeals court rules Trump's global tariffs are illegal,” NBC News, August 29, 2025.
“‘US will be destroyed if…’” The Economic Times, September 1, 2025.
“Trump ends tariff exemption for low-value packages,” CNN, August 29, 2025.
“US July Jolts Report: Job openings fall by 176,000,” Bloomberg Television, September 3, 2025.
Follow John Diamond on X (@jw_diamond) and LinkedIn.
You can follow @BakerInstitute on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Learn more about our data-driven, nonpartisan policy research and analysis at bakerinstitute.org.
The Two-Handed Economist
“The Two-Handed Economist” delivers timely analysis of economic news from John Diamond, director of the Baker Institute Center for Tax and Budget Policy. Each week, John will dive deep into the latest policy developments — mostly at the federal level, but with insights now and again into Texas and Houston finance as well.
Why a two-handed economist? President Harry Truman famously asked for a one-handed economist, tired of hearing, “On the one hand, this,” and “On the other hand, that.” John embraces the complexity that a one-handed economist might shy away from, explaining how it all adds up for consumers, businesses, and policymakers. This show is for anyone looking for a clear-eyed, common-sense perspective on economic policy issues.
