[link removed]

March 5, 2025

Welcome to The Lighthouse ([link removed]) , the weekly email newsletter of the Independent Institute covering politics, economics, current events, and everything in between.

Dear Readers,

President Trump's Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ended in acrimony, stoking uncertainty about America’s stance toward Kyiv. Trump, along with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, held subsequent meetings regarding a freeze on military aid and intelligence sharing. Examining Trump's overall approach towards Ukraine, Randall Holcombe's timely new article argues that Trump's hesitation to offer continued military assistance is in line with his established foreign policy inclinations.

Globally, Francis Crescia questions Canada’s long-standing record of DEI initiatives; Nikolai Wenzel points out how the recent tariffs are a step backward; and Scott Beyer writes about the dangers of economic stagnation.

Domestically, Craig Eyermann writes about the continuously growing scale of pandemic relief fraud, though there may be a reason to be cautiously optimistic, with a fresh budget showdown taking shape in Congress that may rein in spending.

Read more about these new topics in the latest edition of Independent Weekly!

Jonathan Hofer
Managing Editor

Top picks this week
[link removed]


** President Trump’s Ukraine Policy: The Art of the Deal ([link removed])
------------------------------------------------------------


** by Randall G. Holcombe
------------------------------------------------------------

Fears could create a window for all sides to negotiate a more favorable deal, but a lot is at stake.
Read More ([link removed])

[link removed]


** Canada Doubles Down On Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion ([link removed])
------------------------------------------------------------


** by Francis Crescia
------------------------------------------------------------

Without a challenger, DEI programs will likely continue to expand their influence in Canadian society.
Read More ([link removed])

[link removed]


** The Real Cost of the Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum ([link removed])
------------------------------------------------------------


** A boon for some, a burden for most. ([link removed])
------------------------------------------------------------


** by Nikolai G. Wenzel
------------------------------------------------------------

While the Trump administration aims to cut regulations, reduce government spending, and lower income taxes, tariffs ultimately harm the economy.
Read More ([link removed])

[link removed]


** America Doesn’t Need To Be Insolvent ([link removed])
------------------------------------------------------------


** The Trump Administration, using ideas from successful city-states, could raise revenue by tapping into our natural advantages. ([link removed])
------------------------------------------------------------


** by Scott Beyer
------------------------------------------------------------

The U.S. should avoid becoming a European-style welfare state. Special economic zones and startup cities are refreshing ideas to consider.
Read More ([link removed])

[link removed]


** Scale of Pandemic Relief Fraud Grows Larger ([link removed])
------------------------------------------------------------


** by Craig Eyermann
------------------------------------------------------------

Billions in pandemic relief aid were stolen in 2020, with only $4 billion recovered after nearly five years. Officials have not prioritized recovering these funds.
Read More ([link removed])

[link removed]


** What’s at Stake in the Budget Battle ([link removed])
------------------------------------------------------------


** by Craig Eyermann
------------------------------------------------------------

For the first time in years, the U.S. Congress is considering budget bills that could seriously rein in government spending growth.
Read More ([link removed])


** FEATURED BIBLIOGRAPHY
------------------------------------------------------------


** Recommended Readings on Free Trade Versus Protectionism ([link removed])
------------------------------------------------------------


** Everything You Need to Know About Open Markets, Comparative Advantage, and Globalization ([link removed])
------------------------------------------------------------


** Compiled by Williamson M. Evers
------------------------------------------------------------
[link removed]

People, farms, firms, and factories in America should be able to trade freely with people, farms, firms, and factories across international boundaries. These days, that’s quite a controversial statement … but it shouldn’t be. Become an articulate proponent of free trade and defend the rights of consumers and businesses using this annotated reading list, expertly compiled by Senior Fellow and Director of the Center on Educational Excellence Williamson Evers.

Donate ([link removed])

[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
mailto:[email protected]

You received this message because you are subscribed to The Lighthouse.

Independent Institute, 100 Swan Way, Oakland, CA 94621-1428
Manage preferences ([link removed]) | Unsubscribe ([link removed])

Copyright © 2025 Independent Institute, All rights reserved.