Reaganism

In this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim sits down with Karl Rove, Former Deputy Chief of Staff to President George W. Bush, to discuss the rise of Democratic Socialism and its potential impact on the 2026 midterm elections. They examine key races, how Republicans can make a stronger case for individual freedom and limited government, and the ongoing debate over how conservative principles should be applied to today’s challenges.

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim sat down with Chairman of the House Budget Committee Jodey Arrington to reconciliation 3.0, the measure which passed the House of Representatives in July including additional funding for defense, election security, and other Republican priorities. They explore the political shift within the Democratic Party, the influence of the socialist left flank on voting behavior, and the prospects for getting the reconciliation measure through the Senate. Chairman Arrington argued that reconciliation is necessary in today’s polarized environment, and warned about both national security threats and runaway debt. He closed by tying his priorities back to Ronald Reagan’s emphasis on freedom, limited government, and peace through strength.

On this episode of Reaganism, Ronald Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim sits down with Dr. Michael Strain of the American Enterprise Institute to discuss the growing U.S. federal debt and deficit, focusing on why America’s debt-to-GDP ratio and rising interest costs are becoming increasingly unsustainable even though the country can still borrow at relatively favorable rates. They compare the U.S. with China, the U.K., and Europe to explain why Treasury demand remains strong, and they explore what could finally force fiscal reform — including a bond market shock, rising interest rates, or automatic pressure from Social Security and Medicare trust fund shortfalls. The conversation also examines the political barriers to entitlement reform, the bipartisan reluctance to cut spending or raise broad-based taxes, and whether inflation, housing affordability, or a future economic scare could create the conditions for real action.

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim sits down with Daniel Samet to discuss the latest on the U.S.-Israel relationship. Samet argues that the historical record shows U.S. officials have consistently acted from American interests, citing Israel’s intelligence, military, and technological value in counterterrorism and against Iran, while Roger emphasized that military aid and industrial cooperation benefit the U.S. directly and should be understood as a strategic investment. They also explore the rise of anti-Israel sentiment on the far left and far right, the political significance of recent House and Senate votes on aid to Israel, and the role of President Trump and Vice President Vance in shaping public debate. The conversation ends with a broader reflection on the durability of the U.S.-Israel relationship.

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim sits down with Arthur Herman to discuss his new book "Founder's Fire" and explore its thesis that America’s founding fathers and modern business leaders share the same core traits: vision, action, risk-taking, and resilience in the face of failure. Herman argues that the Constitution intentionally created space for this “founder” spirit through executive power, patent protection, and the pursuit of happiness, allowing individuals to pursue innovation and prosperity. The conversation contrasts this American model with socialism and authoritarian systems like China, which Herman says suppress individual initiative and intellectual property. Overall, the discussion frames American exceptionalism as rooted in a culture that rewards creative freedom, entrepreneurship, and the belief that risk can produce transformational progress.

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim sits down with U.S. Ambassador to the European Union Andy Puzder to discuss the Trump administration’s evolving approach to the U.S.-European relationship, highlighting the successful negotiation and ratification of a landmark U.S.-EU trade agreement that lowers barriers to trade while strengthening transatlantic economic ties. Puzder argued that the deal reflects Europe’s recognition of the importance of its partnership with the United States and described President Trump’s leadership as instrumental in bringing the agreement to fruition despite political headwinds. The conversation also explored Europe’s economic challenges—including stagnant growth, overregulation, dependence on Russian energy, and growing competition from China—and examined how closer cooperation with the United States on artificial intelligence, critical minerals, and advanced technology can help restore European competitiveness. Puzder concluded that while Europe continues to grapple with issues such as immigration, free speech, and regulatory reform, there are growing opportunities for pragmatic collaboration that can strengthen both the transatlantic alliance and the West’s strategic position against China.

On this episode of Reaganism, Ronald Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim sits down with Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, Rep. French Hill, to discuss the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act and why it is a supply-side solution to America’s housing crisis. Rep. Hill explains that the bill aims to reduce regulatory barriers, encourage modular and manufactured housing, and improve access to capital for homebuilders by easing bank lending constraints, all while contrasting that approach with rent control and other demand-side policies that he argues worsen affordability. The conversation also ties the legislation to Reagan-era ideas on deregulation, federalism, and private property rights, framing homeownership as a central part of the American dream.

On this episode of Reaganism, Roger sits down with David Ulevitch of Andreessen Horowitz to discuss the firm's American Dynamism practice and its focus on investing in technologies that strengthen U.S. national security and industrial capacity. Their conversation explored how venture capital can help rebuild the defense industrial base through startups in autonomy, drones, missiles, energy, space, and manufacturing, while also emphasizing the importance of engagement in Washington, procurement reform, and public storytelling to accelerate adoption. David argued that production capability is itself a form of deterrence, and both guests highlighted how recent conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have underscored the need for faster, cheaper, more scalable defense innovation.

On this episode of Reaganism, Roger Zakheim sits down with Rich Goldberg to discuss the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding and its immediate implications for sanctions relief, oil exports, and financial access for Iran. Roger and Rich unpacked how the deal differs from the JCPOA, emphasizing that while the agreement creates a short-term window for Iran to sell oil and access frozen assets, it does not restore the broader, long-term sanctions relief of the Obama-era deal. Rich argued that the practical effect is a significant but temporary windfall for Tehran, with potential benefits to Iran’s economy and its ability to sustain groups like Hezbollah, while also creating legal and compliance risks for buyers and banks given the continued designation of the IRGC as a terrorist organization. The discussion ended with a broader reflection on Trump’s “dollar diplomacy” approach and how economic leverage is being used to shape foreign policy in the Middle East.

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim sits down with Fred Ryan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Director of the Center for Civility and Democracy at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute to discuss the Center's newly released "Civility Handbook." The conversation highlights the challenges of civility in the United States, emphasizing the need for respectful discourse across political divides. Fred shares insights on how the Civility Handbook aims to foster unity by providing practical tools for civil engagement in various settings, including social media. The discussion also touches on historical examples of bipartisan cooperation, reflecting on President Reagan's legacy of finding common ground. The Civility Handbook is available for free to encourage widespread adoption of these principles.