Oligarchy or democracy?

After America

With Americans facing shortages and price hikes, the Trump administration is orchestrating a colossal transfer of wealth and power to the very rich.

On this episode of After America, Elizabeth Pancotti, economic policy specialist and former advisor to Senator Bernie Sanders, joins Dr Emma Shortis to discuss what the second Trump administration is doing to the American economy.

This discussion was recorded on Thursday 8 May 2025 and things may have changed since recording.

Order ‘After America: Australia and the new world order’ or become a foundation subscriber to Vantage Point at australiainstitute.org.au/store.

Guest: Elizabeth Pancotti, Managing Director of Policy and Advocacy, Groundwork Collaborative // @ENPancotti

Host: Emma Shortis, Director, International & Security Affairs, the Australia Institute // @emmashortis

Show notes:

Trump’s tariffs won’t wreck Australia’s economy. But America’s could be cooked. Dollars & Sense (April 2025)

New Polling: Republican Plan to Gut Vital Programs, Shower Ultra-Wealthy With Tax Breaks is Unpopular With Voters, Groundwork Collaborative (February 2025)

Are the Big Two too big? Reining in the supermarket giants, Follow the Money (October 2024)

Power gouge: how AGL and Origin are milking monster profits from battling families, the Australia Institute (December 2024)

Theme music: Blue Dot Sessions

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Chapters

1. Oligarchy or democracy? (00:00:00)

2. Living in Trump's America (00:03:55)

3. Trump's impact on the economy (00:06:40)

4. Inequality in America (00:13:19)

5. Political backlash (00:29:28)