Cutting Through Washington’s Red Tape with Dr. Douglas Holtz-Eakin | Let People Prosper Show Ep. 142🎙️

How burdensome regulations, tariffs, and unsustainable spending threaten prosperity

Hello Friends!

What happens when truth in policy-making meets the dysfunction of Washington, D.C.?

In this episode of the Let People Prosper Show, Dr. Douglas Holtz-Eakin, president of the American Action Forum and former CBO director, shares deep insights into decades of economic policy, spanning crises like 9/11 to today’s battles over regulations, tariffs, and “entitlement” spending.

We explore why regulatory costs are a hidden tax, how Congress has surrendered too much power over tariffs, and why entitlement reform is unavoidable. This timely and honest conversation is for anyone who wants to understand what’s really driving economic dysfunction in Washington and how to fix it.

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🔑 Key Highlights from the Episode

1. The Truth About Regulations and Washington

• Regulatory costs are like a stealth tax—hitting small businesses and consumers hardest.

• Agencies are outdated and inefficient; modernization is long overdue.

• Deregulation isn't anti-government—it's pro-growth and pro-people.

2. Tariffs and Trade Deficits: What Most Get Wrong

• Congress ceded tariff authority to the executive—bad move.

• Tariffs are taxes that rarely work and often raise prices.

• Trade deficits don’t mean we’re losing; they reflect deeper structural issues.

3. Fixing the Fiscal Mess Before It’s Too Late

• Social Security and Medicare are the ticking time bombs of federal spending.

• Economic growth alone won’t save us without spending reforms.

• Empowering individuals—not expanding government—is the real path to prosperity.

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⏱️ Timestamps

• 00:00 – Intro to Holtz-Eakin’s journey from CBO to AAF

• 06:41 – Inside the White House during 9/11

• 16:02 – Why federal agencies are stuck in the past

• 20:44 – Congress gave up tariff power. It must take it back.

• 25:16 – What trade deficits really mean

• 30:50 – Why regulation is a hidden tax on growth

• 39:22 – We must tackle entitlements to fix the budget

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🔚 Final Thoughts

Dr. Holtz-Eakin has worn many hats—from White House advisor to head of the CBO to leader at the American Action Forum. His message today is clear: if we want people to prosper, we must stop trusting Washington to do it all.

Instead, it’s time for reforms that respect individual liberty, rein in government excess, and unleash every American's potential.

🧠 Read his latest analysis on regulatory costs here.

🎧 Subscribe, share, and rate the show. Your voice helps push back against big government and promote economic freedom for all.

Let’s keep fighting for policies that work—because nothing is free, and freedom matters. You can also visit my website at vanceginn.com and follow me on X for more timely insights.