The Roman Empire faced a financial crisis similar to the U.S. today, leading to concerns about “fiscal dominance,” where the central bank’s ability to fight inflation is limited by the government’s debt. Economists worry that the U.S. may be approaching this point as the national debt climbs. This concept is further complicated by the “death of the Hamilton Norm,” where the public’s perception of government debt has shifted from being a future obligation to a permanent gift, fueling inflation. This situation is leading to market distress, as bond investors increasingly influence the economy.
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The Kremlin has announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a “significant increase” in tax collection and compliance, prompted by the slowdown in Russia’s wartime economy. This directive includes a rise in consumption taxes from 20% to 22% and the planned introduction of a new tax on electronics. The government aims to stimulate economic growth and investment while simultaneously managing inflation, targeting a rate between 4% and 5% by the end of 2026. These measures come amid concerns over declining oil prices and potential impacts from the US’s approach to Venezuelan oil, which could further weaken Russia’s economic standing.
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More and more Americans are shifting the blame for high prices to Washington. It’s a sentiment that’s bubbling to the surface, and it’s easy to see why. The cost of living is a constant worry, with groceries, gas, and everything in between demanding a larger slice of people’s budgets. It’s only natural that people start looking for someone to hold accountable when their dollars don’t stretch as far as they used to.
The reality, as many point out, is that this isn’t exactly a new phenomenon. Blaming Washington for economic woes is practically a national pastime. From the challenges of the 90s, the economic fallout of the Bush era, the financial crisis of the 2000s, and the slow recovery that followed, Washington has consistently been in the crosshairs.… Continue reading
The former president is seemingly uninterested in addressing Americans’ financial struggles, frequently pivoting away from discussions of affordability to focus on preferred topics such as tariffs and immigration. This disinterest is evident in speeches where he quickly shifts the subject, revealing a lack of engagement with the issue. This creates an opening for Democrats, such as Zohran Mamdani in New York City and Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey, who are campaigning on policies aimed at lowering costs and tackling affordability. They are putting forth policies to address the crisis which contrasts with the former president’s lack of attention to the problem.
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U.S. businesses are experiencing a surge in bankruptcies, reaching levels not seen since 2010. Data indicates that at least 717 companies filed for bankruptcy through November 2025, a 14% increase from the previous year. Factors contributing to the rise include inflation, interest rates, and the trade policies of the Trump administration, particularly impacting the industrial sector. The increased bankruptcies add to concerns about the economic impact of Trump’s policies.
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Contrary to Trump’s claims, the economy was strong under the Biden administration, marked by low unemployment, declining inflation, and rising wages. However, Trump’s policies, including tariffs, immigration restrictions, and research cuts, fueled inflation and labor shortages. Planned cuts to Medicaid, food assistance, and increased ACA premiums are set to strain public services, compounding the economic difficulties. Therefore, the current economic struggles can be attributed to Trump’s actions rather than the state of the economy he inherited.
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Consumer confidence in the U.S. decreased in December, reaching its lowest point since the implementation of tariffs, driven by anxieties about high prices and the effects of President Trump’s trade policies. The Conference Board’s consumer confidence index dropped to 89.1, with short-term expectations remaining stable but below a key recessionary marker. Concerns about prices and tariffs were prominent in the survey responses, while perceptions of the job market also declined, further contributing to the overall decrease in confidence.
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According to the Conference Board, consumer confidence in the economy declined in December, marking the fifth consecutive monthly drop and approaching levels seen when tariffs were implemented. Concerns over high prices and President Trump’s tariffs were significant factors, though short-term expectations for income and job markets remained stable but below levels that could signal a recession. Notably, assessments of the current economic situation plummeted, and perceptions of the job market also worsened, as indicated by a decrease in those saying jobs were plentiful and an increase in those saying jobs were hard to get. AP News reported that despite the overall pessimism, the proportion of those surveyed who thought a recession in the next year was unlikely grew.
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Long lines at the food pantry: Inflation tests Trump’s base in Michigan
The long lines at food pantries in Michigan are a stark visual representation of the economic pressures facing a segment of the population, specifically those who make up Donald Trump’s base of support. These are people who, despite experiencing financial hardship, often still express unwavering loyalty to the former president. The irony isn’t lost on anyone: individuals struggling to afford basic necessities, yet clinging to the belief that the economic woes they face are not a direct consequence of the policies they support.
The situation is amplified by the perceptions being shaped by news outlets that these supporters trust.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood