What Happens if the U.S. Defaults?

What Happens if the U.S. Defaults?

From The David Frum Show by The Atlantic

May 13, 2026 · 56 min · Episode 59

About this episode

David Frum discusses the implications of U.S. economic policies and interviews Lloyd Blankfein about his memoir and the current state of the economy.

In this episode of “The David Frum Show,” The Atlantic’s David Frum opens with his reaction to recent reporting surrounding the Trump family’s “patriotic,” Trump-branded cellphones. David explains how this is yet another instance of the most powerful sowing doubt about the fairness of American business and destroying confidence in the ideals of American enterprise. Then, David is joined by Lloyd Blankfein, a former chairman and CEO of Goldman Sachs, for a wide-ranging conversation about the current state of the American economy. They discuss Blankfein’s new memoir, “Streetwise”; the expanding American debt; the American people’s faith in the economy; and the challenges that lie ahead. Sign up for David Frum’s newsletter alert. Get more from your favorite Atlantic voices when you subscribe. You’ll enjoy unlimited access to Pulitzer-winning journalism, from clear-eyed analysis and insight on breaking news to fascinating explorations of our world. Atlantic subscribers also get access to exclusive subscriber audio in Apple Podcasts. Subscribe today at TheAtlantic.com/Listener. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People in this episode

Host: David Frum

Guest: Lloyd Blankfein

Topics covered

  • U.S. economy
  • American debt
  • Trump family
  • business confidence
  • Lloyd Blankfein
  • memoir

Keywords

  • U.S. default
  • Trump
  • American enterprise
  • debt
  • economy
  • business confidence
  • memoir

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Goldman Sachs, The Atlantic, Apple Podcasts

Books & works: Streetwise

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