The Right Idea

In this episode of The Right Idea, hosts Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen are joined by EJ Antoni, Chief Economist at the Heritage Foundation. They analyze the Trump economy six months into his presidency—covering job growth, tariffs, and housing challenges. Plus, the devastating Texas floods, the upcoming special legislative session, and the potential impact of AI on jobs.

0:27 - Update on Texas' Flood Tragedy
3:16 - Special Session Preview
7:04 - EJ Antoni on the Trump Economy
10:31 - Tariff Policy Concerns
13:40 - June Jobs Report Breakdown
16:01 - Public Perception vs. Economic Data
19:12 - AI’s Future Impact on Jobs
33:53 - Housing Crisis in Texas
40:10 - DOGE: Government Efficiency Push
44:18 - 10 Minute Drill: Survey Says, Jobs Stats, & Special Session Watch

Creators and Guests

Host
Brian Phillips
Brian Phillips is the Chief Communications Officer at the Texas Public Policy Foundation. For over a decade, Brian has helped policymakers and political candidates develop effective messages and communication strategies. Phillips is a veteran of presidential, congressional, and gubernatorial campaigns, and has extensive experience working in the United States Congress and public policy think tanks.
Host
Derek M. Cohen
Derek M. Cohen, Ph.D, is the Texas Public Policy Foundation's Chief Policy & Research Officer and Right on Crime Senior Fellow. Previously the Vice President of Policy and director of Right on Crime, the Foundation’s criminal justice reform initiative, Cohen was instrumental in the passage of the First Step Act, federal legislation that borrowed from successful changes to prisons and sentencing that he had helped pass in conservative states. In addition to leading the Foundation’s work on criminal justice, he is also the lead researcher of firearms policy.

What is The Right Idea?

The Right Idea: The Texas Public Policy Foundation's weekly look at the people, policy, and politics that drive Texas.