Politics

Price Controls and Critical Minerals: Understanding the U.S.’s Rare Earth Economic Policies 

Executive Summary:  Introduction  On October 9th, China imposed export controls on rare earth minerals and related technologies. Since then, rare earth minerals have been dominating news headlines, with many experts espousing the importance of reducing the U.S.’s dependence on China for these minerals. The Trump administration’s policies have heavily focused on rare earth minerals too; … Continue reading

Money Supply and the Current Account: Testing the Predictions of the AA-DD Model
Politics

Money Supply and the Current Account: Testing the Predictions of the AA-DD Model

Executive Summary:  As part of his rationale for increasing tariffs, President Trump has focused on the U.S.’s trade deficits. Experts have long debated whether trade deficits matter; some argue a trade deficit simply signals that the region is attractive to foreign investment and has strong consumer demand, while others have instead contended that a trade … Continue reading

The Impact of AI Efficiency Gains on National Debt and Gross Domestic Product 
Politics

The Impact of AI Efficiency Gains on National Debt and Gross Domestic Product 

Aryan Mirchandani  Executive Summary  Introduction  Historically, only a few technological innovations have created anticipation that rivals the likes of artificial intelligence, which has catapulted the first phase of the new productivity revolution. Proponents of AI argue that it will streamline workflows, enhance decision-making, and unlock rapid efficiencies across wide-ranging industries. The Trump Administration is making … Continue reading

Trump’s policies will increase home prices in a long-suffering housing market
Politics

Trump’s policies will increase home prices in a long-suffering housing market

Executive Summary   Introduction  There is a housing supply shortage in the United States which is skyrocketing home prices. The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta’s Home Ownership Affordability Monitor reached 64 for the total U.S. market in May 2025. This is the lowest number on record and well below 100, the benchmark for “affordable.”   In January … Continue reading

The Trade-Off Behind the Trade Deficit 
Economy / Tariffs / Trade

The Trade-Off Behind the Trade Deficit 

Executive Summary  Introduction  President Trump has long called for the U.S. to impose higher tariffs to reduce the trade deficit, which he has declared a national emergency. His administration announced unprecedented unilateral tariffs to reverse what it alleges are unfair trade practices. This strategy ignores the accounting principle known as the balance of payments: The … Continue reading

‘Golden share’ of U.S. Steel extends president’s reach into the private sector
Economy / National Security / Politics / Presidency

‘Golden share’ of U.S. Steel extends president’s reach into the private sector

Executive Summary  Introduction  On June 18, the Japanese firm Nippon Steel finalized a “historic partnership” with U.S. Steel (USS), acquiring the company for nearly $15 billion. This came after years of Biden and then Trump blocking the purchase due to national security concerns. The deal was finally allowed soon after President Trump was promised a … Continue reading

Politics

What will sector-specific tariffs cost?

Executive Summary  Introduction  Although President Trump has paused his April 2 “Liberation Day” tariffs for 90 days, he continues to threaten immanent sector-specific tariffs. The threatened sectors include pharmaceuticals, copper, lumber, semiconductors, chemicals and minerals, and energy, which combined account for roughly 20-percent of U.S. imports and include most products initially exempted from “Liberation Day” … Continue reading

Firing The Government: Inside the Largest Federal Workforce Reduction in U.S. History   
Politics

Firing The Government: Inside the Largest Federal Workforce Reduction in U.S. History   

Executive Summary   Introduction   Since the beginning of 2025, sweeping layoffs across the federal government have resulted in the dismissal of over 30,000 employees. The primary sector of federal workers facing cuts are those in their probationary period. Civil servants remain on probation for one year after they are hired, promoted, or demoted. While on probation, … Continue reading