Trump’s tariffs are more a petulance than a policy, but some strategic uses of tariffs can make economic sense. Look at China’s declining trade surplus with the U.S.
inflation
Posted inEconomic Policy
Trump’s Persecution of Jerome Powell Is Even Crazier Than It Looks
The Trump administration is carrying out a corrupt prosecution of the Federal Reserve chair. But messing with Fed independence might spark inflation, and everyone hates that.
Posted inTAP
Will the Court Rule for Trump or for Wall Street?
As the Supreme Court now considers whether Trump can take over the Federal Reserve, we lose either way.
Posted inTAP
Trump’s Self-Imposed Economic Trap
Even if he gains control of the Fed, monetary policy can only do so much—and Trump rejects other policies that could cut the high cost of living and improve growth.
Posted inWorking in America
The $79 Trillion Heist
We’re in an affordability crisis because workers aren’t being paid at the same levels they earned in the past.
Posted inEconomic Policy
Sources of America’s Hidden Inflation
How market power jacks up prices, and how Trump’s policies add to the pressure
Posted inTAP
Trump’s Faltering Economy
The seemingly not-too-bad Trump economy is living on borrowed time. Both inflation and employment are getting worse, and the booming stock market is in AI bubble territory.
Posted inEconomic Policy
Fed Making Key Economic Decisions Without Key Economic Data
The Fed considers information from a variety of sources in setting monetary policy, everything from anecdotal reports to original data produced by its regional Reserve Banks. But the loss of public, and apparently some private, data is an acknowledged blow.
Posted inEconomic Policy
The Plutonomy Is Still Going Strong
For the last 20 years, analysts have known that this is an economy by and for the rich.
Posted inHealth and Social Policy
More Americans Going Hungry, Worst Still to Come
Food banks around the country are reporting an uptick in visits. Grocery store chains are reporting an uptick in profit.
