MONTEREY >> A group of experts who have worked in some of the top levels of government will convene with former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta moderating a discussion of the economy under the Trump Administration on March 17 in the Panetta Lecture series kickoff event.

The 28th annual season’s overarching theme is “What Will Be the Legacy of the Trump Era?” The kickoff lecture will focus on tariffs, tax cuts, debt and inflation under the new Trump administration. It will be held at the Monterey Conference Center at 7 p.m.

Panetta is no stranger to dealing with economic concerns in government. He served as director of the Office of Management and Budget from 1993 to 1994 and was chair of the House Budget Committee from 1989-1993.

He will lead a discussion with Christina Romer, who was the chair of Council of Economic Advisers from 2009-2010; Susan Schwab, the U.S. Trade Representative from 2006-2009; and Kevin Warsh, a member of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors from 2006-2011.

“Frustration with the economy, particularly with high prices and inflation, was one of the key drivers in Americans’ decision to return Donald Trump to the official office for a second term,” Panetta said in a press release. “Two months into his presidency, President Trump has threatened tariffs on Mexico, Canada and the European Union and enacted tariffs on China. His tax policy is centered around tax cuts estimated to cost between $5 and $11 trillion. Meanwhile, inflation has risen steadily in the three months following the election.

“Will President Trump be able to deliver on the economic promises of his campaign? And how will his actions impact the growing threat of the budget deficit and the national debt?”

Season subscriptions to the Leon Panetta Lecture Series are available for $400. Individual tickets to the March 17 lecture sell for $100. To order call the Panetta Institute at 831-582-4200 to pay with a credit card.

For additional information on tickets, subscriptions or broadcast details, please call the Panetta Institute at (831) 582-4200 or visit www.panettainstitute.org.