Economic Clown Show: America's Descent into Utter Madness
By Lori Grimmace · 7/1/2025
The Circus Continues: America's Economy, A Spectacle of Nonsense
Let's be clear: what passes for "business news" these days isn't business; it's a chaotic performance designed to distract from the underlying rot. The stock market is hitting record highs? Of course it is. Artificial propping, that’s all it is. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq are patting themselves on the back while the average American struggles to afford a loaf of bread. Don't be fooled by the shiny numbers. The US dollar is meanwhile, predictably, stumbling to historic lows. A direct consequence of policies that reward recklessness and punish stability.
And the driving force behind this entire farce? A man threatening Japan with tariffs because they allegedly aren’t buying enough rice. Because that’s how trade works. Apparently, he’s also ending trade talks with Canada. Diplomacy? It's a quaint notion, apparently. The gall to send a handwritten letter to Powell demanding ultra-low interest rates? A blatant undermining of the Federal Reserve and a testament to his utter disregard for economic principles.
The proposed "revenge tax" mercifully died, but that's likely a temporary reprieve. The fact that car prices haven’t risen yet despite tariffs is not a victory; it's a delayed consequence. Tariffs always find a way to impact consumers.
Meanwhile, in the realm of corporate squabbles, we have Lululemon accusing Costco of selling knock-off pants. Really? This is what we’re prioritizing? Focus on your core product, people, not petty lawsuits over athletic wear. Starbucks wants you to sit down in their stores again? As if that's going to fix their dwindling popularity. Compass suing Zillow? Another pointless legal battle distracting from the larger issues plaguing the real estate market.
Trump Mobile claims their phone is "Made in the USA"—a claim they’ve now quietly retracted. What a surprise. The collaboration between Intuitive Machines and Nokia Bell Labs to beam data from the moon? At least someone is aiming for the stars. Top soccer clubs using AI to scout players? Fine, exploit technology for profit, just don't expect a sudden influx of genuine talent. Microsoft retiring the dreaded blue screen of death? A cosmetic change to mask underlying systemic issues.
The potential for a "shadow" Fed chair is utterly terrifying. An unprecedented attack on an independent institution. A ten-year moratorium on AI law enforcement? As one state regulator rightly noted, "extremely disconcerting.” Buy Now, Pay Later loans factoring into credit scores? About time, although it will only exacerbate the problem. And, of course, threats to sue CNN and The New York Times because they report inconvenient truths. This is the new normal: accountability is a casualty.
Let’s not forget the truly sad events: the passing of Bill Moyers, a journalist who understood the importance of truth. The ridiculous surge in Tucker Carlson's podcast – a testament to the power of misinformation. And, buried beneath the chaos, Warren Buffett’s generous donation, a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness. A potential government supermarket initiative? A desperate, if potentially worthwhile, attempt to address food insecurity. Elon Musk’s dissatisfaction with his own AI chatbot? I feel his pain. And Jon Stewart’s ridicule of a military parade? A much-needed dose of sanity.
This isn’t business news; it’s a circus. And we, the consumers, are the clowns.