Trump's Independent Voter Problem
Plus: A listener asks about possible book club books that are "subtly libertarian."
In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch discuss how many current political frustrations— with tariffs, executive overreach, and economic stagnation—are vindicating longstanding libertarian critiques, even as the public resists identifying as libertarian. They also explore Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s "Make America Healthy Again" agenda.
1:34—Libertarians were right
10:06—The best case for libertarianism in the Trump era
16:52—Are the Democrats pushing a libertarian-ish agenda?
24:40—Tech leaders regret supporting President Donald Trump?
39:47—Weekly listener question: What books should libertarian ladies suggest to their book club?
47:39— What is RFK Jr. doing to "Make America Healthy Again"?
59:03— Weekly cultural recommendations
We're hiring a producer for this show, find more information and submit your application here.
Mentioned in this podcast:
"The Libertarian Moment," by Nick Gillespie and Matt Welch
"The Libertarian Movement Needs a Kick in the Pants," by Nick Gillespie
"Are Seed Oils Actually Bad for You?" by Alice Callahan
"Food Freedom Is Personal Freedom," by Jeffrey A. Singer
"Alton Brown: A Culinary Legend Offers Food for Thought," by Nick Gillespie
"Nick Gillespie's Last Meal," by Tom Nash
"[Lexi Freiman's The Book of Ayn] Punches up, down, and all around town. A great Xmas gift for Objectivists and Red Scare communistas alike, if such ppl exchange gifts," by Nick Gillespie
"The Big U," by Neal Stephenson
"How Media and Public Health Failed Our Kids (w/ David Zweig)," by Matt Welch
"In Covid's Wake: How Our Politics Failed Us," by Stephen Macedo and Frances E. Lee
"Trump's Understanding of Due Process Is Just As Farcical As His Definition of 'Alien Enemies,'" by Jacob Sullum
"As the Economy Tumbles, so Does Trump's Approval Rate," by Matthew Petti
"Will the 'Abundance' Agenda Make California Great Again?" By Steven Greenhut
"Is This Constitutional? Here's How Due Process Works," by Billy Binion
"By Openly Retaliating Against Disfavored Law Firms, Trump Attacks Free Speech and the Right to Counsel," by Jacob Sullum
"The Trump Administration Continues To Attack Due Process," by C.J. Ciaramella
"George Will: Brace Yourself for Donald Trump & the Authoritarian Moment," by Todd Krainin, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch
"DOGE Has Been a Smashing Success," by Christian Britschgi
"We Don't Need RFK Jr. To 'Make America Healthy Again,'" by Kelvey Vander Hart
"Reopen the Schools!" By Robby Soave
"The Accountant 2 Is a Shaggy, Silly Bro-Hangout Movie," by Peter Suderman
Upcoming Reason events:
Reason Speakeasy: Robert Rosenkranz on The Stoic Capitalist, May 7, 2025
The Soho Forum Debate: Dave Smith vs. Alex Nowrasteh on Immigration, May 21, 2025
Today's sponsors:
- Join the 2025 Great Connections Seminar in Chicago, July 26–Aug 2. Designed for students 16–24, this week-long experience builds the core skills of entrepreneurship: critical thinking, persuasive communication, and intellectual independence. This year's theme, "Reason and Free Will," explores great minds like Aristotle, Ayn Rand, and Jefferson—not through lectures, but in dynamic, small-group discussions that train students to lead and innovate. Outside the classroom, they'll tour Chicago's museums, try improv, and connect with ambitious peers. In a world of AI and automation, original thinking is your competitive edge. Tuition is just $800, including room and board. Scholarships available. Apply today at www.reliancecollege.org/reason
- Therapy can feel like a big investment, but the state of your mind is just as important as your physical health. Let's talk numbers. Traditional in-person therapy can cost anywhere from $100 to $250 per session, which adds up fast, but with BetterHelp online therapy, you can save, on average, up to 50% per session. With BetterHelp, you pay a flat fee for weekly sessions, saving you big on cost and time. Therapy should feel accessible, not like a luxury. With online therapy, you get quality care at a price that makes sense and can help you with anything from anxiety to everyday stress. Your mental health is worth it—and now, it's within reach. With over 30,000 therapists, BetterHelp is the world's largest online therapy platform, having served over 5 million people globally. It's convenient, too. You can join a session with the click of a button, helping you fit therapy into your busy life. Plus, switch therapists at any time. Your well-being is worth it. Visit betterhelp.com/roundtable today to get 10% off your first month.
- Video Editor: Ian Keyser
What are we consuming this week?
Katherine Mangu-Ward
- Hot dog empanada from the lady who is sometimes at the corner of Connecticut Ave. and Jefferson Pl.
Matt Welch
Peter Suderman
Nick Gillespie
