Costco Wholesale is suing the Trump administration, contesting the legality of tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), seeking a full refund of duties paid. The lawsuit argues that the IEEPA doesn’t explicitly authorize the President to set tariffs. This legal challenge follows the Supreme Court’s review of the tariff agenda, where justices expressed skepticism. Costco, like several other major companies, is seeking refunds, having previously absorbed costs on imported goods such as pineapples and bananas to protect customer prices.
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A recent Yahoo/YouGov poll indicates that a significant number of Americans believe President Trump’s actions have raised prices rather than lowered them, with a nearly two-to-one ratio reflecting this sentiment. The survey also reveals more Americans blame Trump for inflation compared to his predecessor. The poll, conducted with 1,684 U.S. adults, also shows disapproval of his handling of the cost of living and the economy, along with a drop in consumer sentiment. Additionally, his implementation of import tariffs received low scores, with most respondents believing they have done more harm than good in the short and long term.
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While artificial intelligence is the primary concern for white-collar workers, a less publicized crisis is unfolding for blue-collar employees in 2025. Despite promises of a resurgence, recent data reveals a continued decline in blue-collar employment, with losses in manufacturing, transportation, and warehousing. Experts attribute this trend to factors like economic slowdowns, restrictive immigration policies, and the effects of tariffs on manufacturing. Although manufacturing output is up, a reduced workforce suggests improved productivity through automation, indicating a long-term shift away from traditional blue-collar jobs.
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Trump says he may cut income tax ‘completely’ because of tariff income. This statement, frankly, is a head-scratcher, and not in a good way. It’s the kind of pronouncement that makes you wonder if we’re living in a parallel universe where the rules of economics have been rewritten. The core idea, as far as I can gather, is that increased revenue from tariffs – essentially taxes on imported goods – could somehow offset the need for income taxes. This is where things start to fall apart.
First off, let’s talk numbers. The US is currently swimming in a massive deficit, with trillions of dollars in debt.… Continue reading
Eight months after President Trump touted tariffs as a means of reshoring manufacturing jobs, the sector has actually contracted, with a loss of 6,000 manufacturing jobs reported in the latest jobs report, adding to the previous 59,000 lost since April. Experts attribute this decline, in part, to the uncertainty tariffs have created, which disincentivizes companies from growing their workforce by increasing production costs. Despite the shrinking industry, job postings in manufacturing remain resilient, suggesting a mismatch between available jobs and the skills of the workforce, and the value of trade schools.
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Trump quietly holds off on Canada tariff increase, and it’s interesting to unpack what seems to be going on here. It appears that the Canadian government has, in a way, adopted a “do nothing and win” strategy, reminiscent of a tactic we’ve seen employed by the Chinese government. The U.S., meanwhile, seems to be grappling with its own internal issues.
The narrative suggests that the United States will circle back to Canada when it’s ready to engage in meaningful dialogue. The entire situation brings to mind the old saying, “keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.” The focus is on the long game.… Continue reading
President Trump has announced plans to send $2,000 tariff checks to Americans, aiming for a mid-2026 rollout. However, the proposal faces significant hurdles in Congress, as many Republicans express skepticism and prioritize addressing the national debt. Independent analyses also suggest the plan is financially unsustainable, as the projected cost far exceeds available tariff revenue, and could potentially fuel inflation. Despite the president’s determination, the checks require Congressional approval and face resistance from key figures within his own party.
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In August, the U.S. trade deficit decreased by almost 24% to $59.6 billion due to President Donald Trump’s global tariffs, which pushed imports down by 5%. Exports saw a slight increase of 0.1% to $280.8 billion. Although the trade deficit decreased in August, it is still up for 2025. The administration is facing a legal challenge in the Supreme Court over the legality of the tariffs.
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Japan’s economy contracts for the first time in six quarters on tariff hit is a consequence we’re now examining, and it’s certainly a development with significant implications. This downturn, ending a period of relative economic stability, coincides with a rise in protectionist measures, specifically those related to tariffs, which appear to have dealt a blow to Japan’s economic performance.
The impact of tariffs is complex. While they might be intended to protect domestic industries, they can also increase costs for consumers and businesses, ultimately hindering trade and economic growth. We see this play out in the context of Japan, where the contraction suggests that its economy is feeling the pinch of these increased trade barriers, a reality that isn’t really up for debate.… Continue reading
President Trump has recently reversed course on his previous tariff policies by removing tariffs on over 200 agricultural staples, including beef and coffee, a move celebrated by some of his supporters. This decision follows the initial imposition of tariffs on food products in April, a move that was praised for its support of American food production. The change has prompted criticism and irony, as it contrasts with Trump’s historical support for tariffs. The decision to lower tariffs comes as Americans are dealing with increased food costs, with prices of staples like coffee and beef rising significantly in recent months, potentially influenced by recent Democratic wins on the topic of affordability.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood