Think Like An Economist's Justin Wolfers discusses the current state of the American economy and the complexities introduced by trade policies, particularly those enacted under President Trump. They delve into the nuances of hard data versus soft data, highlighting discrepancies and uncertainties caused by fluctuating tariffs and how these have made economic trends difficult to decipher. The conversation covers a wide range of related topics, from the impacts of these tariffs on business investments and consumer behavior to the broader geopolitical ramifications, such as potential disruptions in the global oil supply due to tensions in the Middle East. The hosts also touch on the reliability of data provided by government agencies versus that coming directly from the White House, stressing the importance of unfettered, accurate economic data. Through their dynamic exchange, filled with humor and critical insights, the episode underscores the complexity and unpredictability of current economic conditions. Subscribe to Fast Politics and listen 4x a week for interviews just like this on your favorite podcast app: https://episodes.fm/1645614328