Trump’s Tariff Decision, Trump Praises Gov. Whitmer, Fake Students Steal Your Tax Dollars

Hillsdale College Radio General Manager and Radio Free Hillsdale Hour Host Scot Bertram fills in for Jim on 3 Martini Lunch. Join Scot and Greg as they break down President Trump’s latest tariff moves, the surprisingly cordial exchange between Trump and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and the alarming surge of fake college students defrauding taxpayers.

First, they analyze President Trump’s announcement that he will pause most of the tariffs announced last week for the next 90 days, while sharply increasing tariffs on China. Other nations will see a temporary reduction to 10 percent. Greg points to the value of singling out China economically, while Scot highlights how Trump’s approach reflects two consistent patterns in his approach to leadership.

Next, they react to Trump’s unexpected praise for Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, calling her “a very good person” and saying she’s done “an excellent job.” While many conservatives in Michigan strongly disagree, Whitmer echoed support for reshoring manufacturing and expressed understanding of Trump’s tariff policy. Scot and Greg explore what’s behind this odd development and how it could impact Whitmer’s likely 2028 presidential run and more.

Finally, they expose how scammers are siphoning off millions in taxpayer-funded financial aid by enrolling fake students in California’s community college system. Estimates show up to 34 percent of community college applicants in the state may have fraud in the most recent statistics. But Scot reveals how the colleges are also bending over backwards trying not to remove these fake students.