The current U.S. Economy has solid, but uncertain growth, persistent inflation, a tight but cooling labor market, and the prolonged government shutdown. The administration has been criticized for its focus on foreign affairs, with extensive travel abroad. Domestic affairs, such as the government layoffs and higher costs of living, have created a worried public.

The overall impact of the Trump tariffs resulted in a net negative impact on the economy. His use of tariffs is still before the Supreme Court. The gamesmanship of making personal deals over a long period of time created more uncertainty. The initial reaction of the stock markets this spring was drastic, but they slowly recovered and continued to grow. CNN TV Host Fareed Zakaria says the public reactions to economic policies are based primarily on differences in cultures and class rather than politics.

The most serious issues have been the extent to which the administration overreached its authority. Its actions have been challenged in court, and some have been reversed, such as firing people without cause. Their public policies certainly have been a radical change from prior administrations. They have broadly increased the number of executive orders and moves into broad personnel actions disregarding the civil service regulations. His actions reveal a streak of racism, meanness, and revenge. He demonstrates a complete lack of human empathy.

Inflation for 2025 led to increases, for example, grocery prices for meats, poultry, fish, and eggs rose 5.6%, while non-alcoholic beverages rose 4.6%. Other grocery prices had a lower increase from a year ago. Of course, these prices have been increasing for several years. According to CPI data, restaurant prices only increased by 3.9%. Electricity price rose by 6.2%, and natural gas prices rose by 13%. The good news is that gasoline prices dropped 6.6%.

Shelter prices increased 3.6 percent over the year. Other notable price increases include medical care (3.4 percent), household furnishings and operations (3.9 percent), motor vehicle insurance (4.7 percent), and used cars and trucks (6.0 percent)

In the local housing market in Raleigh, rents decreased due to an overbuilding of new properties in recent years. New homes were more costly due to rising construction costs and higher mortgage rates. Our insurance rates were higher, however, both for houses and cars.

The mood of the voters was revealed by the recent Democratic landslide. It is too soon to speculate on the mid-term elections, but traditionally the party in power loses seats in the Congress. The incoming administration had promised to reduce the cost of living, and their policies have done just the opposite. As a consequence, their poll ratings are at an all-time low.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.