Economy News
The Daily Signal reports on economy news with analysis and commentary on growth, recession risks, employment, and financial trends.
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- Opinion
Obama Has No Business Lecturing Anybody About Decency
In a recent interview with “No Lie” podcaster Brian Tyler Cohen, former President Barack Obama claimed that conservatives do “the mean, angry, exclusive, us/them, divisive politics. That’s their home court. Our court is coming together.” This is a jaw-dropping contention coming from a man who began his presidential aspirations accusing Americans who refused to embrace…David Harsanyi -
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Pipe Dream? DC Asks for Federal Funds After Sewage Spill
In the aftermath of a massive sewage leak near the nation’s capital, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser is asking President Donald Trump to use his emergency powers to provide federal disaster relief funding. “I respectfully request that you declare a Major Disaster for the District of Columbia in response to a sewer line collapse impacting the…George Caldwell -
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US Weekly Jobless Claims Fall More Than Expected Amid Labor Market Stability
REUTERS—The number of Americans filing new applications for unemployment benefits fell more than expected last week, consistent with a stabilizing labor market. Initial claims for state unemployment benefits dropped 23,000 to a seasonally adjusted 206,000 for the week ended Feb. 14, the Labor Department said on Thursday. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast 225,000 claims…Lucia Mutikani -
- Opinion
Employment Up and Inflation Down, New BLS Report Shows
Last week, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released its January 2026 Current Employment Statistics and consumer price index reports. Here’s what you need to know: These reports suggest stabilization within the American economy, contrary to economists on the left and the right who have been quick to express labor and broad market pessimism. Total nonfarm…Nicole Huyer -
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SOTU Boycott Urged by Gen Z Activist Group
Young People Address the Nation, a campaign that “hosts actions in response to moments that lack perspectives from young people,” has called on members of Congress to boycott President Donald Trump’s upcoming State of the Union address. In a call to action obtained by The Daily Signal on Monday, Young People Address the Nation, which…Pedro Rodriguez -
- Opinion
Yes, We Can Stop Welfare Fraud
Americans want to help people in need, but when government does that, about 500 billion taxpayer dollars get stolen. It’s how the system is designed, says the United Council on Welfare Fraud’s Andrew McClenahan in this new video. “You’re measuring success by the amount of money you put out.” Because of that, government agencies rarely…John Stossel -
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White House Celebrates Inflation Beating Expectations in January
Inflation beat expectations by dropping to 2.4% in January, according to new data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. “President [Donald] Trump has defeated Joe Biden’s inflation crisis in record time. Inflation is low, wages are up, and the American economy is booming—all thanks to President Trump’s pro-growth agenda,” White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers told…Elizabeth Troutman Mitchell -
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US January Budget Deficit Falls to $95 Billion as Revenue Gains Outpace Spending Growth
WASHINGTON, Feb. 11 (Reuters)—The U.S. government posted a $95 billion budget deficit in January, down $34 billion, or 26%, from a year earlier as revenue gains, including customs duties, outpaced growth in outlays, the Treasury Department said on Wednesday. Adjusting for routine calendar shifts in benefit payments due to holidays, weekends, and other factors in…David Lawder -
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US Job Growth Surges in January
WASHINGTON, Feb. 11 (Reuters)—U.S. job growth unexpectedly accelerated in January and the unemployment rate fell to 4.3%, signs of labor market stability that could give the Federal Reserve room to keep interest rates unchanged for some time while policymakers monitor inflation. But the largest increase in payrolls in 13 months reported by the Labor Department…Lucia Mutikani -
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EXCLUSIVE: Senators Ask Education Department to Collaborate on Student Loan Fraud Probe
FIRST ON THE DAILY SIGNAL—In a letter shared with The Daily Signal, Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., and Sen. Jon Husted, R-Ohio, unveiled their plans to uncover fraud, waste, and abuse in federal education funding and the Biden-era student loan “bailout agenda.” The senators’ announcement follows their appointment by Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., chairman of the…Pedro Rodriguez -
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House Passes Housing Affordability Bill
The House of Representatives on Monday passed the Housing for the 21st Century Act, making changes to federal housing regulations, which proponents say could drive down the cost of homes. The bill, sponsored by Financial Services Committee Chairman French Hill, R-Ark., passed by a 390-9 margin. Eight Republicans and one Democrat voted against it, while…George Caldwell -
- Opinion
Modern Science Is Smart Public Policy for a Healthy Nation and Economy
The news two weeks ago from the National Institutes of Health could be downplayed as a tidbit of politics by the Trump administration around the anniversary of the 1973 Supreme Court abortion decision. But that would be missing the larger import of the statement by NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya about the agency’s decision to end…David Prentice -
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‘NOT ACCEPTABLE’: Trump Admin ‘Clamping Down’ on Foreigners Taking American Jobs
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Chair Andrea Lucas is seeking to prevent Americans losing their jobs to foreign workers. “Most people understand that you can’t discriminate against a foreign worker, but they don’t understand that American workers could constitute a national origin,” said Lucas, who oversees the federal government’s employment discrimination agency. “It’s one of those…Elizabeth Troutman Mitchell -
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Billions in Tax Dollars Pay for Empty Federal Buildings
FIRST ON DAILY SIGNAL—Selling off unused or underused federal property could save taxpayers $3 billion in deferred maintenance costs, and more than $100 million in operation costs each year, according to one government report. Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, chairwoman of the Senate DOGE Caucus, introduced legislation to expedite the sales of these properties. “Why should taxpayers be stuck with billion-dollar bills for bureaucrats…Fred Lucas -
- Opinion
From Capital Markets to Free Enterprise
Institutions sometimes outgrow their names not because they erred, but because they succeeded. The Heritage Foundation’s Capital Markets Initiative has reached that point, prompting its transition to the Free Enterprise Initiative, a change that is candid rather than cosmetic. Our work expanded beyond its original remit, so its label must follow that reality. American prosperity…Allen Mendenhall -
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‘Substantial Refunds’ Coming to Taxpayers Soon, Senior Treasury Official Says
Taxpayers can expect “substantial refunds” due to tax cuts in President Donald Trump’s “One Big, Beautiful Bill,” Treasury Secretary Counselor Joseph Lavorgna said. The bill’s provisions included no taxes on overtime pay, no taxes on tips, and reduced Social Security taxes. “We think there could be substantial refunds coming,” Lavorgna, counselor to Treasury Secretary Scott…Elizabeth Troutman Mitchell -
- Opinion
Education Budget Reversal Ignores Decades of Failure
Rep. Rosa DeLauro criticized House Republicans last fall for passing a downsized education budget, accusing them of attempting to “eliminate public education” and “decimate support for children in K-12 schools.” The charge was overdramatized and incorrect. Federal education funding accounts for roughly 10% of total K-12 spending nationwide. Despite decades of increasing federal investment, student…Madison Marino Doan -
- Opinion
Can President Remove Fed Official for Pre-Office Conduct? Court Weighs In.
Last week, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Trump v. Cook. This case came to the court on an expedited basis because in August of last year, President Donald Trump posted on social media a letter addressed to Lisa Cook, telling her, “Pursuant to my authority under Article II of the Constitution of the…Zack Smith -
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Vance Believes American Economy Is About to Boom, Champions American Worker in Toledo Speech
On Thursday, Vice President JD Vance appeared at Midwest Terminals in Toledo, Ohio, where he touted the successes of the Trump administration. Vance’s speech centered around “the great American comeback” in the wake of the Biden administration. Prosperity Under Trump The vice president believes the American economy is about to boom. “I think that we…Rebecca Downs -
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EXCLUSIVE: Linda McMahon Explains Why Department Paused Involuntary Student Loan Collection
FIRST ON THE DAILY SIGNAL—The Department of Education paused involuntary collection of defaulted student loans, but Secretary of Education Linda McMahon told The Daily Signal the process will restart “sooner rather than later.” McMahon said the department delayed the plan to garnish wages from defaulted borrowers in order to create time to make people aware…Elizabeth Troutman Mitchell