When President Trump rolled out his new 10 % across-the-board tariff this year, the usual fireworks went off in Washington. Democrats clutched their pearls, the media went into DEFCON 1, and—perhaps most surprisingly—a handful of Senate Republicans broke ranks to challenge the plan. This week, the Senate even voted to roll back some of the…
Trump’s 10% Tariff Threat Over Ontario’s Reagan Ad: Smart Leverage or Overreaction?
Sometimes it feels like President Trump is one headline away from dropping a tariff. This weekend’s flare-up with Canada proves the point. While flying aboard Air Force One to Malaysia, Trump posted on Truth Social that he’s planning to raise tariffs on Canadian goods by another 10%. The reason? A television ad from the province…
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…
3% Inflation Is the Quiet Thief That Won’t Leave the House
The latest numbers put inflation at about 3%. That may sound mild compared to the 9% wildfire we endured in 2022, but let’s not fool ourselves. It still means higher prices, thinner savings, and slower progress for families already stretched to the limit. Politicians in Washington can pat themselves on the back all they want,…
A Look at the $1,000 Baby Bonus in the OBBBA
Let’s take a closer look at a provision in the OBBBA that promises a $1,000 federal contribution for every child born between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2028. Yep, you heard that right: every baby born during that five-year stretch gets what’s being dubbed a “MAGA account,” kickstarted with a cool grand courtesy of…
A Tax Too Far? Weighing the 3.5% Remittance Levy in the One Big Beautiful Bill
Let’s talk about money—specifically, money flying out of the country faster than a kid bolting from chores. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act has an interesting provision that I haven’t heard anyone talk about: a 3.5% tax on money sent abroad by non-citizens, including green card holders and visa workers. Let’s examine this from an…
Tariff Tweaks and Tech Toys: Is Trump’s Smartphone Exemption a Smart Move?
So, here's the headline that's got economists buzzing and tech execs breathing a cautious sigh of relief: President Trump’s administration has officially exempted smartphones and computers from all “reciprocal” tariffs. That includes the base 10% tariff slapped on all imports and the 125% scorcher that was aimed squarely at China. But before you go thinking…
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…
Trump’s Tariffs: A Bold Move for America or the Start of a Costly Trade War?
On February 1, 2025, President Trump announced significant new tariffs: a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico and a 10% tariff on imports from China. The administration justifies these tariffs as necessary to curb illegal immigration, combat the influx of fentanyl, and strengthen domestic industries. This decision has sent shockwaves through international markets,…
Navigating an Economic Paradox – Booms, Layoffs, and Tariffs
As an independent Christian conservative, I approach the past week’s whirlwind of economic news with cautious optimism, a dose of realism, and a firm reliance on biblical principles. The post-election economic surge and the stock market highs are encouraging, but they’re juxtaposed with major layoffs and looming tariff tensions that demand careful scrutiny. Let’s unpack…
The Independent Christian Conservative 