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US Trade Deficit Barely Shrank In 2025 Despite Trump's Tariffs US Trade Deficit Barely Shrank In 2025 Despite Trump's Tariffs
US Trade Deficit Barely Shrank In 2025 Despite Trump's Tariffs The US trade deficit was largely unchanged in 2025 despite President Donald Trump's claims that his sweeping tariffs would rapidly shrink the gap. The annual trade deficit in 2025 totaled $901.5 billion, according to Commerce Department data released on Thursday, Feb. 19. That was $2.1 billion lower than 2024, marking just a 0.2% decrease in Trump's first year back in office. The trade gap sharply widened to $70.3 billion in December 2025. That was up $17.3 billion from November and well above economists' expectations of $55.5 billion, CNBC reported. On the night b…

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by Chris Spiker
Politics
Trump Drops Greenland Tariff Threats After EU Freezes US Trade Deal (UPDATE) Trump Drops Greenland Tariff Threats After EU Freezes US Trade Deal (UPDATE)
Trump Drops Greenland Tariff Threats After EU Freezes US Trade Deal (Update) President Donald Trump has backed away from imposing new tariffs tied to his push to annex Greenland, after European Union leaders paused approval of a major trade deal with the US. Trump announced the retreat from his latest tariff threat in a post on his social media platform Truth Social on Wednesday, Jan. 21. He previously threatened a 10% duty on many European countries, including Denmark, France, Norway, and the United Kingdom, with an escalating 25% tariff if a deal for the US to buy Greenland wasn't reached by Monday, June 1. The 10% tariffs were expected to go i…

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by Chris Spiker
Politics
Here's How Americans Feel About Trump's First Year Back In Office: New Poll Here's How Americans Feel About Trump's First Year Back In Office: New Poll
Here's How Americans Feel About Trump's First Year Back In Office: New Poll Most Americans view President Donald Trump's first year back in the White House as a failure, with frustration rising over the economy, presidential power, and his immigration crackdown, according to a new survey. In the CNN poll, 58% of Americans say Trump's first year of his second term has been a failure. The survey comes as Trump has publicly expressed fear about Republicans losing control of Congress in the midterms and floated the idea of canceling elections, although the White House has claimed that he was "joking" about doing that. Voters continue to worry about economic condit…

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by Chris Spiker
Politics
Trump’s Disapproval Rating Grows, But Democrats Are Seen As ‘Out Of Touch’: New Poll Trump’s Disapproval Rating Grows, But Democrats Are Seen As ‘Out Of Touch’: New Poll
Trump’s Disapproval Rating Grows, But Democrats Are Seen As ‘Out Of Touch’: New Poll President Donald Trump’s disapproval rating is rising. But Democrats face their own trust gap, and control of Congress still looks like a dead heat. A Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll conducted Friday, Oct. 24 through Tuesday, Oct. 28 finds 41 percent approve of President Donald Trump’s job performance, while 59 percent disapprove — the highest disapproval in this series since January 2021. The national online survey included 2,725 adults and has a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 1.9 percentage points The broad dissatisfaction with Trump has not yielded a clear Democratic edge…

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by Joe Lombardi
Business
Groceries Harder To Afford For Nearly Half Of Americans Than In 2024: Poll Groceries Harder To Afford For Nearly Half Of Americans Than In 2024: Poll
Groceries Harder To Afford For Nearly Half Of Americans Than In 2024: Poll Nearly half of Americans say groceries are harder to afford than a year ago, according to a new survey. The Harris/Axios Vibes poll found that 47% of Americans believe groceries are more difficult to afford than they were in September 2024. The findings were released on Thursday, Oct. 2. More than half (54%) of independents and 50% of Democrats said grocery costs are harder to bear, while about a third (34%) of Republicans agreed with them. Just 19% of all people surveyed said prices are easier to manage, while about one in three say costs feel the same. John Gerzema, CEO of…

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by Chris Spiker
News
‘Your Countries Are Going To Hell’: Trump Lectures World Leaders During UN Address ‘Your Countries Are Going To Hell’: Trump Lectures World Leaders During UN Address
‘Your Countries Are Going To Hell’: Trump Lectures World Leaders During UN Address President Donald Trump used his United Nations stage to scold allies, slam the UN’s relevance and taunt delegates, telling them, “Your countries are going to hell,” as he veered off script and ran well past his allotted time. Speaking at the General Assembly on Tuesday, Sept. 23 in Manhattan, Trump repeatedly questioned the institution’s value and cast himself as a fixer where diplomats failed. “What is the purpose of the United Nations?” he asked, deriding what he called “strongly worded letters” and “empty words.” He added, “It’s sad I had to do these things instead of the United Nations …

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by Joe Lombardi
Business
Modelo Loses Best-Selling Beer In US Title: Here's Who Took Over Modelo Loses Best-Selling Beer In US Title: Here's Who Took Over
Modelo Loses Best-Selling Beer In US Title: Here's Who Took Over Michelob Ultra is now the best-selling beer in the US, overtaking Modelo Especial as its importer faces growing challenges. Anheuser-Busch announced on Monday, Sept. 22, that Michelob Ultra is the No. 1 beer in the country. The alcoholic beverage company cited Circana and Nielsen IQ data showing Michelob Ultra led retail and restaurant sales over the past 52 weeks. Chief commercial officer Kyle Norrington said Anheuser-Busch's partnerships with sports leagues and fitness-focused marketing strategy have boosted Michelob Ultra, which launched in 2002. "For more than twenty years, M…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Falling Car Parts Spark Major Recall In Ford's Latest Safety Issue Falling Car Parts Spark Major Recall In Ford's Latest Safety Issue
Falling Car Parts Spark Major Recall In Ford's Latest Safety Issue More than 100,000 Ford cars are being recalled because a piece of door trim can fall off while driving, in the latest safety issue for the US automaker. Ford issued the recall for 101,944 Ford Taurus vehicles, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The issue affects Tauruses from the model years 2016 through 2019. The problem involves a black plastic piece between the front and rear doors called the B-pillar trim applique. "A B-pillar trim applique that detaches while driving can create a road hazard for other road users, increasing the risk of…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Fed Approves First Rate Cut Of 2025 As Job Market Slumps: What To Know Fed Approves First Rate Cut Of 2025 As Job Market Slumps: What To Know
Fed Approves First Rate Cut Of 2025 As Job Market Slumps: What To Know The Federal Reserve has cut its key interest rate for the first time in 2025 amid a slowing job market and economic pressure from President Donald Trump's tariffs. The Fed approved the quarter-point reduction to interest rates on Wednesday, Sept. 17. The overnight funds rate will drop to between 4% and 4.25%, in the first rate cut since December 2024. The cut comes as the Fed warns about rising prices and a slumping labor market. "Recent indicators suggest that growth of economic activity moderated in the first half of the year," the Fed said in a news release. "Job gains have slowed,…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Most Americans Won't Upgrade To New iPhone 17, Survey Finds: Here's Why Most Americans Won't Upgrade To New iPhone 17, Survey Finds: Here's Why
Most Americans Won't Upgrade To New iPhone 17, Survey Finds: Here's Why As Apple rolls out its new iPhone 17 lineup, nearly six in 10 Americans say they won't be upgrading because of President Donald Trump's tariffs and rising costs. WalletHub said that 59% of people in the US will skip buying a new phone in 2025 due to Trump's tariffs and inflation, according to a survey released on Tuesday, Sept. 9. The findings came on the same day Apple unveiled its new generation of devices, including the thinnest iPhone ever. Preordering for all iPhone 17 models began on Friday, Sept. 12, and the smartphones will be officially released on Friday, Sept. 19. "When day…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Beef Prices Hit Record Highs As Herd Shrinks To 70-Year Low With No Relief In Sight Beef Prices Hit Record Highs As Herd Shrinks To 70-Year Low With No Relief In Sight
Beef Prices Hit Record Highs As Herd Shrinks To 70-Year Low With No Relief In Sight If steak night feels like a splurge and ground beef is denting the budget, you’re not imagining it. Beef prices are climbing to record highs with little sign of easing. According to USDA outlooks released Friday, Sept. 5, the spike is being driven by a deep supply crunch colliding with steady consumer demand.  The US cattle herd is now the smallest since 1951, the result of years of herd liquidation during drought and high feed costs, and rebuilding will take time. Demand, meanwhile, hasn’t cracked. Americans continue to buy beef for its taste and versatility, which keeps pressure on …

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by Joe Lombardi
Business
Holiday Spending To Drop For First Time In Five Years, Survey Expects Holiday Spending To Drop For First Time In Five Years, Survey Expects
Holiday Spending To Drop For First Time In Five Years, Survey Expects Holiday shoppers are expected to spend less in 2025, marking the first decline since the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new survey. PricewaterhouseCoopers released its 2025 Holiday Outlook on Wednesday, Sept. 3. The financial firm found that Americans plan to spend an average of $1,552 over the holidays, down 5% from 2024. Gift budgets are taking the biggest hit, dropping 11% to $721, as consumers pull back on shopping amid President Donald Trump's widespread tariffs. "People are going to keep shopping, but with continuing concerns about tariffs and elevated prices (especially on electr…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Job Growth Stalls In August As Trump Tariffs Strain Labor Market Job Growth Stalls In August As Trump Tariffs Strain Labor Market
Job Growth Stalls In August As Trump Tariffs Strain Labor Market The US labor market slowed sharply in August, as President Donald Trump's tariffs, inflation, and lower consumer confidence grip the nation's economy. There were 22,000 jobs added nationwide in August, the Bureau of Labor Statistics said in a news release on Friday, Sept. 5. The weak numbers mark one of the softest hiring months in recent years, falling well below the Dow Jones estimate of 75,000 new jobs, CNBC reported. Unemployment also ticked up to 4.3%, its highest level since July 2024. A broader metric, which includes discouraged workers and those with part-time jobs fo…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Most Americans Strained Financially From Trump Tariffs, Inflation On Labor Day: Survey Most Americans Strained Financially From Trump Tariffs, Inflation On Labor Day: Survey
Most Americans Strained Financially From Trump Tariffs, Inflation On Labor Day: Survey Rising costs due to inflation and President Donald Trump's tariffs are putting a strain on many Labor Day celebrations in the US. WalletHub just released its Labor Day Survey for 2025. The personal finance website also released a list of Labor Day facts based on travel, finances, and ways Americans will celebrate the holiday weekend. According to the survey, 55% of Americans believe Trump's sweeping tariffs and inflation are erasing their hard work. That's up from WalletHub's Fourth of July survey, when about half of respondents said the duties and inflation would affect their Ind…

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by Chris Spiker
News
Most Of Trump's Tariffs Ruled Illegal By Federal Court; Administration Expected To Appeal Most Of Trump's Tariffs Ruled Illegal By Federal Court; Administration Expected To Appeal
Most Of Trump's Tariffs Ruled Illegal By Federal Court; Administration Expected To Appeal A federal appeals court has dealt a major blow to President Donald Trump’s trade agenda, ruling that most of his sweeping global tariffs were illegal, reports said.  The US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit found on Friday, Aug. 29, that the law Trump used to justify some of his most aggressive trade measures did not give him the authority to impose those tariffs, according to CNBC.  The 7-4 ruling casts doubt on Trump’s agreements with the European Union, Japan, South Korea, and other major trading partners to lower “reciprocal” tariffs from the rates his administrati…

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by Josh Lanier
Business
Americans With Strongest Credit Scores Struggling As Trump Tariffs, Inflation Raise Costs Americans With Strongest Credit Scores Struggling As Trump Tariffs, Inflation Raise Costs
Americans With Strongest Credit Scores Struggling As Trump Tariffs, Inflation Raise Costs Americans with the strongest credit scores are falling behind on payments as inflation and President Donald Trump's tariffs drive up household costs throughout 2025, according to new data. Late-stage delinquencies, which are accounts more than 90 days past due, surged 109% year-over-year among superprime borrowers in July, VantageScore said in a report released on Monday, Aug. 25. Those delinquencies rose 47% among prime borrowers. Superprime and prime borrowers are typically considered the most financially secure. "Consumers in the highest VantageScore credit tiers are showing i…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
PlayStation 5 Price Jumps As Trump Tariffs Hit Imports: Here's How Much PlayStation 5 Price Jumps As Trump Tariffs Hit Imports: Here's How Much
PlayStation 5 Price Jumps As Trump Tariffs Hit Imports: Here's How Much PlayStation 5 consoles are about to get more expensive in the US as President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs fuel price hikes for many products. The recommended retail price for the PS5 will increase to $549.99, the Digital Edition will cost $499.99, and the PS5 Pro will go up to $749.99, Sony announced on Wednesday, Aug. 20. The higher prices will begin on Thursday, Aug. 21. While Sony didn't directly point to Trump's tariffs in its announcement, the duties have increased the costs of many imported goods, especially from countries that produce many electronics. "Similar to…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Claire's Finds Buyer To Keep Mall Brand Alive: See Which Stores Will Close Claire's Finds Buyer To Keep Mall Brand Alive: See Which Stores Will Close
Claire's Finds Buyer To Keep Mall Brand Alive: See Which Stores Will Close Famous ear-piercing retailer Claire's has found a buyer as the struggling mall staple navigates bankruptcy and prepares to close more than a dozen stores. Claire's reached a deal with Ames Watson, which will acquire its North American business and intellectual property, the chain announced on Wednesday, Aug. 20. The agreement comes less than two weeks after Claire's declared bankruptcy for the second time since 2018. The deal must be approved by courts in the US and Canada. The companies didn't disclose the agreement's financial terms. Ames Watson is a private holding compan…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Target Picks New CEO In Bid To Win Back Shoppers Amid Plunging Sales, Boycotts Target Picks New CEO In Bid To Win Back Shoppers Amid Plunging Sales, Boycotts
Target Picks New CEO In Bid To Win Back Shoppers Amid Plunging Sales, Boycotts Target has picked a longtime executive to take over as CEO amid plummeting sales and a slumping stock throughout 2025. Chief operating officer Michael Fiddelke will become Target's next CEO, the retail giant announced on Wednesday, Aug 20. Fiddelke, who has spent two decades at Target, will succeed current chief executive Brian Cornell on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026. Cornell, 66, will become the executive chair of Target's board and help Fiddelke, 49, in the transition. "There is no one better suited to move Target forward than Michael Fiddelke," Cornell said in a statement. "He brings …

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by Chris Spiker
Business
'Never Ending Pasta Bowl' Returns To Olive Garden Despite Soaring Food Prices: Here's When 'Never Ending Pasta Bowl' Returns To Olive Garden Despite Soaring Food Prices: Here's When
'Never Ending Pasta Bowl' Returns To Olive Garden Despite Soaring Food Prices: Here's When Despite inflation and President Donald Trump's tariffs, Olive Garden isn't budging on the price of its most popular deal. Olive Garden's fan-favorite "Never Ending Pasta Bowl" will return on Monday, Aug. 25. The deal includes unlimited pasta, soup or salad, and signature breadsticks for the same $13.99 price since 2022. The promotion stands out as menu prices nationwide climb to record highs. "In a time when prices seem to rise with every season, Olive Garden is keeping the price of its most beloved offer exactly the same," the Italian restaurant chain said in a news release. Early a…

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by Chris Spiker
Schools
School Lunches Are Costing Families More Than Ever: Here's Why School Lunches Are Costing Families More Than Ever: Here's Why
School Lunches Are Costing Families More Than Ever: Here's Why As the new school year gets closer, parents are preparing to pay more to pack a lunch, with many changing what will be in their kids' lunchboxes to save money. Nearly half of parents and caregivers (48%) expect to pay more for school-day lunches this year than last, according to Deloitte's 2025 Back-to-School Survey. The study also found that grocery prices are 23% higher than they were in 2020. The increase comes as many everyday staples are getting more expensive under President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs on imports, which economists say are raising costs on a variety of foods f…

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by Chris Spiker
News
'Focus On Being A DJ,' Trump Tells Goldman Sachs CEO From Westchester After Tariff Warning 'Focus On Being A DJ,' Trump Tells Goldman Sachs CEO From Westchester After Tariff Warning
'Focus On Being A DJ,' Trump Tells Goldman Sachs CEO From Westchester After Tariff Warning President Donald Trump is taking aim at Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon and telling him to focus on his side gig after economists at the Wall Street giant's bank warned that American consumers may soon bear the brunt of the president's tariffs. In a Truth Social post on Tuesday, Aug. 12, Trump defended his trade policy, claiming that “trillions of dollars are being taken in on tariffs” and that the measures have been “incredible for our country, its stock market, its general wealth, and just about everything else.”  The post came days after Goldman Sachs' chief economist Jan Hatzi…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Canadian Summer Tourism To US Plummets Under Trump's Tariffs, '51st State' Threats Canadian Summer Tourism To US Plummets Under Trump's Tariffs, '51st State' Threats
Canadian Summer Tourism To US Plummets Under Trump's Tariffs, '51st State' Threats Summer tourism from Canada to the US has dropped dramatically as President Donald Trump's aggressive rhetoric and tariffs anger many Canadians. Canadian return trips from the US by automobile declined 36.9% in July, compared to the same month in 2024, according to Statistics Canada data released on Monday, Aug. 11. Return trips to Canada by air also fell by 25.8%. July marked the sixth consecutive month of year-over-year drops in cross-border travel. The pullback intensified as Canadian land crossings into the US tumbled 28% and air arrivals were down 13.3% in the first half of 2025,&n…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Costs Rise While Stubborn Inflation Persists, Trump Tariffs Loom Over Economy Costs Rise While Stubborn Inflation Persists, Trump Tariffs Loom Over Economy
Costs Rise While Stubborn Inflation Persists, Trump Tariffs Loom Over Economy Prices for a wide range of products increased in July, even as inflation held steady, with economists expecting President Donald Trump's tariffs to further raise costs for many Americans. The Consumer Price Index rose by 0.2% in July and reached a yearly rate of 2.7%, according to data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics on Tuesday, Aug. 12. That was barely lower than the 2.8% annual inflation expected in the Dow Jones forecast, CNBC reported. Core inflation, which doesn't include the volatile food and energy categories, jumped by 0.3%, bringing the annual rate to 3.1%. That's the hi…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
'Buy American' Movement Fades Despite Trump's Tariff-Fueled US Manufacturing Push: Survey 'Buy American' Movement Fades Despite Trump's Tariff-Fueled US Manufacturing Push: Survey
'Buy American' Movement Fades Despite Trump's Tariff-Fueled US Manufacturing Push: Survey The "Buy American" movement has lost popularity as President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs raise prices on many goods while claiming to boost domestic manufacturing, according to a new survey. Half of Americans said in June that they'd be more likely to buy a product they liked after learning it was made in the US, according to the report from The Conference Board. That's down from 60% in May 2022. The appeal of "Made in USA" labels has also fallen 18% since 2022, with shoppers' fears about rising costs as the main factor in the decline. "Given US consumers' persisten…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Beef Prices Keep Climbing To New Record Highs: Here's What's Fueling Soaring Costs Beef Prices Keep Climbing To New Record Highs: Here's What's Fueling Soaring Costs
Beef Prices Keep Climbing To New Record Highs: Here's What's Fueling Soaring Costs You may want to savor that next steak. It’s not getting cheaper anytime soon. Beef prices have hit an all-time high in the US, driven by a mix of short supply, steady demand, and mounting costs across the cattle industry. According to the American Farm Bureau and industry economists, the national cattle inventory is now the smallest it’s been since 1951. Many ranchers reduced herd sizes — or left the business entirely — after years of drought, inflation, and rising interest rates made farming unsustainable. Add in strong consumer demand and the result is tight supply pushing prices ever h…

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by Joe Lombardi
Business
Repeat Jobless Claims Hit Four-Year High Amid Weak July Jobs Report Repeat Jobless Claims Hit Four-Year High Amid Weak July Jobs Report
Repeat Jobless Claims Hit Four-Year High Amid Weak July Jobs Report The number of Americans continuing to file for unemployment benefits has surged to its highest level in nearly four years, according to new federal data. Continued unemployment claims topped 1.97 million during the week ending on Saturday, July 26, the Department of Labor said on Thursday, Aug. 7. That's the most since early November 2021, when the insured unemployment level reached 2.04 million. Repeat claims rose by 38,000 from the previous week. The DOL data signals that more jobseekers are struggling to find work and remain on unemployment. In the Northeast, se…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Claire's Files For Bankruptcy As Mall Traffic Declines, Debt Rises For Ear-Piercing Icon Claire's Files For Bankruptcy As Mall Traffic Declines, Debt Rises For Ear-Piercing Icon
Claire's Files For Bankruptcy As Mall Traffic Declines, Debt Rises For Ear-Piercing Icon Famous tween retailer Claire's is declaring bankruptcy as the popular mall chain struggles with debt, shrinking traffic, and trendy competition. Claire's is filing for bankruptcy in Delaware and Canadian courts, the company said in a news release on Wednesday, Aug. 6. The retailer known for children's jewelry and piercings is in a race to pay off a nearly $500 million loan by December 2026, Bloomberg reported. The move will allow Claire's to begin selling off assets while continuing talks with potential buyers, according to CEO Chris Cramer. "This decision is difficult, but …

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by Chris Spiker
News
Nearly Half Of Americans Surveyed Say Trump Is Corrupt As Approval Slides In New Poll Nearly Half Of Americans Surveyed Say Trump Is Corrupt As Approval Slides In New Poll
Nearly Half Of Americans Surveyed Say Trump Is Corrupt As Approval Slides In New Poll A new national poll suggests trouble is mounting for President Donald Trump, and not just with independents. Trump’s job approval rating has taken a major hit since spring, sliding six points and now sitting 20 points underwater, according to a national survey conducted by the University of Massachusetts Amherst. The poll, involving 1,000 adults nationwide and conducted between Friday, July 25 and Wednesday, July 30, found that only 38 percent of Americans approve of Trump’s performance, compared to 58 percent who disapprove. In April, Trump’s approval stood at 44 approving, 51 percent dis…

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by Joe Lombardi
Business
Grocery Bills Causing Major Stress For Most Americans As Food Costs Rise: Poll Grocery Bills Causing Major Stress For Most Americans As Food Costs Rise: Poll
Grocery Bills Causing Major Stress For Most Americans As Food Costs Rise: Poll Most Americans say grocery prices are now a top source of stress, as inflation and President Donald Trump's tariffs drive up the cost of many everyday essentials, a new poll shows. About 86% said the cost of groceries is a "major" or "minor" source of stress in their lives, according to a national survey from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. More than half (53%) said supermarket prices were a major stressor, while just 14% said that groceries aren't a source of stress. Pollsters also found that two-thirds of households earning under $30,…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Brake Failures Force Massive Recall Of Ford, Lincoln Vehicles: What To Know Brake Failures Force Massive Recall Of Ford, Lincoln Vehicles: What To Know
Brake Failures Force Massive Recall Of Ford, Lincoln Vehicles: What To Know Ford is recalling more than 300,000 vehicles after identifying a software defect that could cause sudden brake assist failure in the automaker's latest safety issue. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Ford issued the recall for about 312,120 pickup trucks and SUVs. The recall covers several popular 2025 models, including the Ford F-150, Bronco, Ranger, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator. The electronic brake booster (EBB) module may malfunction and shut down while the vehicle is in motion. That could result in increased stopping distance or cause advanced driver-ass…

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by Chris Spiker