Exposing Trade Myths and Defending Economic Liberty with Joel Griffith | Let People Prosper Ep. 144🎙️

How Free Markets Strengthen the Middle Class

Hello Friends!

Are tariffs helping the economy—or hurting families?

In this episode of the Let People Prosper Show, I’m joined by Joel Griffith, senior fellow at Advancing American Freedom, who brings both data and clarity to today’s most misunderstood economic debates.

We explore the power of economic liberty, the myths about a declining middle class, and how trade deficits, contrary to popular opinion, often benefit rather than harm the American economy. Joel makes the case for limiting government to its constitutional role and empowering individuals and markets to do the rest.

👉 Subscribe to the Let People Prosper Show on YouTube, your favorite podcast platform, and VanceGinn.com for more.

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🔑 Key Highlights from the Episode

1. Economic Liberty Is the Key to Prosperity

• Joel’s motivation stems from a passion for America’s founding ideals and individual freedom.

• He argues for limited government that protects rights without overstepping into economic decision-making.

• Effective policymaking requires clear, persuasive communication grounded in facts.

2. Debunking the Myth of Middle-Class Decline

• Data show the middle class is better off than many headlines claim.

• Trade and automation have boosted output even as manufacturing employment has declined.

• The real culprits behind job loss? Excessive government regulations, not global trade.

3. Trade Deficits and Tariffs: What Really Matters

• Trade deficits are not inherently bad—they often signal investment and growth.

• Tariffs are a tax on Americans and raise costs for families and businesses.

• Fiscal discipline and spending limits, not protectionism, are a better path to economic stability.

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⏱️ Timestamps

• 00:00 – Intro to Joel Griffith and why economic liberty matters

• 06:06 – Lessons from policy work and communicating reform

• 15:03 – Private property, investing, and freedom

• 18:06 – Trade myths and the truth about tariffs

• 24:08 – Manufacturing, trade deficits, and middle-class prosperity

• 35:11 – The need for spending limits and fiscal reform

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🔚 Closing Thoughts

Joel Griffith reminds us that facts and freedom still win. While populists and protectionists peddle fear, the data tell a different story: free markets work, the middle class is thriving, and tariffs threaten—not help—our economy.

📖 Check out Joel’s work at Advancing American Freedom and follow him on X.

📲 Share this episode, subscribe to the Let People Prosper Show, and join the growing movement for freedom, opportunity, and prosperity.

Because when we trade freely and spend wisely, we let people prosper. For more timely insights, visit my website at vanceginn.com and follow me on X.