From Tariffs to DOGE: Sparking Conversation through the On Discourse Initiative

With spring beginning and the school year nearing its end, several CLPs have sparked engaging discussions among Furman students and faculty. On March 17th, one event focused on the recent tariffs imposed by the Trump administration and their economic impact. Dr. Nathan Cook, Professor of Economics, provided an overview of national tariffs, explored their historical context, and examined the potential consequences of the current measures.

“I learned more about the data from previous tariffs, and how these have the potential to follow those trends. I also think it’s interesting how they [tariffs] work as a negotiation tactic… and how those countries that threatened retaliatory tariffs would affect the US economy and people,” Lainey Harness, student attendee, shared. 

The new tariffs have not only sent shockwaves across the nation and abroad, but the recently established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has also come under scrutiny, dominating headlines and sparking widespread public debate. On March 24th, Dr. Danielle Vinson, Professor of Politics and International Affairs, led a discussion on DOGE and its broader implications.

“Before the CLP, I knew that [DOGE] was created as an executive order by President Trump, under the ‘supervision’ of Elon Musk, to ultimately cut government waste and spending from many federal organizations. Even shutting some of them down as well as cutting hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants, and so much more,” Harness explained. “I was intrigued by other people’s opinions, specifically hearing people justify DOGE versus people strongly against it.” 

Both CLPs created lively discussions, as they were designed to help attendees better understand the issues at hand and engage with others across a range of political and ideological perspectives, reflecting the core purpose of the On Discourse Initiative. The timely topics of DOGE and tariffs were not presented through the lens of professors’ personal opinions, but rather to inform participants about current events and foster open, welcoming conversations among people of different ages, genders, races, and backgrounds. As mentioned, this commitment to inclusive and informed dialogue is at the heart of the On Discourse Initiative.