Vistas Lecture Series at 450 Bryant Street

"The Trump Tariffs" with Brian Evans

President Trump declared April 2, 2025 “Liberation Day” as he introduced sweeping tariffs against the world. The months since have been filled with retractions, reversals and uncertainty. This talk will attempt to make sense of it all by, first, going back to the economic logic of free trade. We will then discuss why protectionism can make sense – and assess current policy in light of the framework we have established.

Brian Evans is Chair of the Foothill College Economics Department, where he has taught since 2002. He is known for his unwavering commitment to helping young minds reach their full potential. While his classes may be challenging, his students consistently rave about the invaluable knowledge they gain under his guidance. He is also passionate about economic development, including leading annual service learning trips with Foothill Students to Guatemala.