How to Lose Wars and Tank the Economy
Aug 27, 2026 · 26m
Summary
Host Rob Gunther interviews former Rep. Adam Kinzinger on the Trump administration’s aggressive economic tactics, including “Operation Economic Outcast” against Iran and a collapsed trade deal with Canada. Kinzinger argues these moves are driven by ego rather than strategy, damaging alliances and undermining the post-WWII order. He critiques the lack of clear goals in Iran, the exemption of China from sanctions, and the failure to effectively communicate US objectives, warning that this approach isolates America and risks long-term geopolitical instability.
Topics discussed
Sponsors: ADT Security and Opill birth control
Intro: US trade war with Canada and sanctions on Iran
Sponsors: Ground News, Built, and Kohler smart toilets
Interview: Adam Kinzinger on Trump's trade wars and ego
Canada's sovereignty and standing up to US pressure
Geopolitics: Might makes right vs. post-WWII order
Information warfare: Iran's memes and US messaging failures
Sponsors: Home Chef and Temptations cat treats
Operation Economic Outcast: Sanctions and exempting allies
Military strategy: Air war limitations and ground invasion risks
Conclusion: Cost of war and future Middle East stability
Outro and sponsors: Wayfair and Liquid I.V.
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