At its surface, a recent Voto Latino survey reported by The Hill is striking but not shocking: a growing number of Americans are disillusioned with both major political parties, and many — especially non-voters — would consider a third-party choice in the next presidential election. Poll respondents from across the political spectrum agree that both…
Social Security’s 2.8% Raise: Better Than Nothing
Today, the Social Security Administration announced the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026: a whopping 2.8%. That works out to about $56 extra a month for the average retiree. Now, I’m not knocking an increase. Every bit helps when folks are trying to stretch a fixed income in today’s economy. But calling this a “boost” feels…
Trump, Lisa Cook, and the Federal Reserve Soap Opera
Episode I: As the Fed Turns Last month, I wrote a piece about President Trump, the Federal Reserve, and their messy custody battle over “independence.” Well, the plot has thickened, and we’ve officially entered soap opera territory. Welcome to this week’s episode of “As the Fed Turns.” Here’s the recap: President Trump tried to fire…
When Numbers Mislead and Inflation Teases: A Look at the Economy, Tariffs, and Rate Cuts
Well, the economic tea leaves have been tossed on the table again, and they’re not exactly painting a crystal-clear picture. We just got a trifecta of reports: turns out job growth wasn’t nearly as strong as we were told, wholesale prices actually dipped a little (that’s the “good news,” though don’t break out the confetti…
Trump, the Fed, and the Battle Over Independence
On Monday, President Trump announced—through a Truth Social post, of course—that he’s firing Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook. The reason? Allegations of mortgage fraud. The claim is that back in 2021, Cook listed two separate properties as her “primary residence” in order to secure more favorable loan terms. If true, that’s a big problem, because…
Tariffs, Trade, and Tough Talk: How Should America Respond to China’s Latest Salvo?
Well, here we go again. Another round in the ongoing heavyweight bout between the United States and China. Yesterday, China raised tariffs on American goods to a whopping 125%—a direct response to the U.S. upping its own tariffs to 145%. It’s like watching two toddlers in a sandbox throwing handfuls of gravel at each other…
Tariffs, Trade Wars, and Truth Bombs: Trump’s High-Stakes Economic Gamble
When President Trump gets behind a podium and starts talking tariffs, you can almost hear the stock market tense up and the media hit DEFCON 1. But here’s the thing—behind the noise, tweets, and headlines, there’s a legitimate frustration driving Trump’s trade strategy: the American economy isn’t working for everyone anymore, and it hasn’t been…
Do Tariffs Work? Only If You Know How to Use Them
There’s a meme making the rounds that says, “If tariffs don’t work, then why does nearly every other country on earth use them?” It’s got that smug, sarcastic vibe, but buried in the snark is actually a worthwhile question—so let’s take it seriously for a second. So... do tariffs work? The short answer? Sometimes. But…
Trump’s Tariffs Are Bold—but Are They the Right Move for America?
President Trump’s latest round of tariffs—rolled out with all the drama of a national emergency declaration on April 2, 2025—marks one of the most sweeping trade maneuvers in modern U.S. history. A universal 10% tariff on all imports, along with steeper penalties for “unfair traders” like China (54%) and the European Union (20%), signals a…
Trump’s Tariff Plan: A Bold Move with High Stakes for America’s Economic Future
Donald Trump has never been one to tiptoe around economic policy, and his latest proposal for “reciprocal” tariffs is yet another example of his willingness to shake up the status quo. By calling for tariffs that match the trade barriers other countries impose on American goods, Trump is challenging both allies and rivals to play…