Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In this episode of the Ayn Rand Institute podcast, Onkar Ghate and Ben Bayer discuss the recent decision in Learning Resources Inc. v. Trump, striking down the President’s expansive “Liberation Day” tariffs.
• [00:00] Introduction
• [04:58] The majority’s reasoning
• [14:52] The major questions doctrine
• [26:05] Statutory interpretation and legislative intent
• [36:20] The dissent’s plausibility
• [42:33] The separation of powers
• [48:48] A stopgap against eroding separation of powers
• [57:59] Scrutinizing deprivation of economic liberty, property
• [01:04:36] Emergency powers
Resources:
• Ben Bayer, “Ayn Rand on Free Trade, the 'Essence of Capitalism’s Foreign Policy'” [new-ideal.aynrand.org/p/ayn-rand-on-free-trade-the-essence?utm_source=publication-search]
• Ben Bayer, “The Constitutionally Dubious Law Empowering Trump’s ‘Emergency’ Tariff Authority” [new-ideal.aynrand.org/p/the-constitutionally-dubious-law]
• Ben Bayer, “The Lawyers Defending Trump’s Tariffs Know They’re Un-American. Here’s How We Can Tell” [new-ideal.aynrand.org/p/the-lawyers-defending-trumps-tariffs]
This episode was recorded on February 25, 2026.
Subscribe to ARI’s YouTube channel to make sure you never miss a video:
youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=AynRandInstitute
Download or stream free courses on Ayn Rand’s works and ideas with the Ayn Rand Institute app:
– App Store itunes.apple.com/us/app/ayn-rand-university/id1452535178?mt=8
– Google Play play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.aynrandu
ARI is funded by donor contributions. You can support our work by becoming an ARI Member or making a one-time contribution: ari.aynrand.org/donate
Explore these ideas further! ARI's online publication, New Ideal, explores pressing cultural issues from the perspective of Ayn Rand’s philosophy, Objectivism: newideal.aynrand.org
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******
Join an upcoming virtual or in-person event: ari.aynrand.org/events
Visit ARI’s website for more about our content and programs: ari.aynrand.org
In this episode of the Ayn Rand Institute podcast, Onkar Ghate and Ben Bayer discuss the recent decision in Learning Resources Inc. v. Trump, striking down the President’s expansive “Liberation Day” tariffs.
• [00:00] Introduction
• [04:58] The majority’s reasoning
• [14:52] The major questions doctrine
• [26:05] Statutory interpretation and legislative intent
• [36:20] The dissent’s plausibility
• [42:33] The separation of powers
• [48:48] A stopgap against eroding separation of powers
• [57:59] Scrutinizing deprivation of economic liberty, property
• [01:04:36] Emergency powers
Resources:
• Ben Bayer, “Ayn Rand on Free Trade, the 'Essence of Capitalism’s Foreign Policy'” [new-ideal.aynrand.org/p/ayn-rand-on-free-trade-the-essence?utm_source=publication-search]
• Ben Bayer, “The Constitutionally Dubious Law Empowering Trump’s ‘Emergency’ Tariff Authority” [new-ideal.aynrand.org/p/the-constitutionally-dubious-law]
• Ben Bayer, “The Lawyers Defending Trump’s Tariffs Know They’re Un-American. Here’s How We Can Tell” [new-ideal.aynrand.org/p/the-lawyers-defending-trumps-tariffs]
This episode was recorded on February 25, 2026.
Subscribe to ARI’s YouTube channel to make sure you never miss a video:
youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=AynRandInstitute
Download or stream free courses on Ayn Rand’s works and ideas with the Ayn Rand Institute app:
– App Store itunes.apple.com/us/app/ayn-rand-university/id1452535178?mt=8
– Google Play play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.aynrandu
ARI is funded by donor contributions. You can support our work by becoming an ARI Member or making a one-time contribution: ari.aynrand.org/donate
Explore these ideas further! ARI's online publication, New Ideal, explores pressing cultural issues from the perspective of Ayn Rand’s philosophy, Objectivism: newideal.aynrand.org
******
Keep in Touch! Sign up to receive email updates from ARI: aynrand.org/signup
Follow ARI on Twitter: twitter.com/AynRandInst
Follow ARI on Facebook: facebook.com/AynRandInstitute
Follow ARI on Instagram: instagram.com/aynrandorg
Subscribe to the ARI Live! podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ayn-rand-institute-live/id1440399458
******
Join an upcoming virtual or in-person event: ari.aynrand.org/events
Visit ARI’s website for more about our content and programs: ari.aynrand.org
