Michael McKenna
Columns by Michael McKenna
Democrats: Doubling down on stupidity in California
Most Democrats, at least elected ones, seem to be fundamentally unbright when it comes to anything involving President Trump. Published June 11, 2025
Trump should have ditched Musk long ago
Watching President Trump and Elon Musk turn their relationship into one impressively aggressive and large dumpster fire and scream at each in the middle of the street was kind of entertaining. Published June 8, 2025
Red tape reckoning: Team Trump needs to overhaul America’s obsolete environmental laws
Recently, the Supreme Court came to two clear conclusions in Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County about how federal agencies should implement the National Environmental Protection Act. Published June 4, 2025
Pope Leo XIV’s surprise election reveals why the Catholic Church survives leadership changes
A few weeks ago, a man named Richard Prevost was elected by his peers to become the most important man in the world. Published June 1, 2025
Senate’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ process likely to focus on saving taxpayer money
Last week, the House of Representatives passed, by the bracing margin of 215-214, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which included an extension of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Published May 28, 2025
Reflecting on Memorial Day’s true meaning
On Monday, we celebrate Memorial Day, the civic holy day we set aside to commemorate those who died fighting our wars. Published May 25, 2025
For Trump’s tariffs to work, consumer behavior needs to change
President Trump teed off a bit last weekend in response to Walmart's announcement that it plans to increase prices on some of the goods it sells, partly because of the effect of tariffs on goods originating in China. As a reminder, these tariffs are still in place, albeit at a 30% rate rather than the 145% rate where we started. Published May 21, 2025
City monopolies: Breaking the ruinous Democratic stronghold
If the Justice Department is really serious about breaking up monopolies that have a toxic effect on Americans, they should do something about America's cities. Published May 18, 2025
Trump must stay tough on China: No ‘shared interests’ with a genocidal regime
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent observed early this week that the U.S. and China found common ground on trade in talks over the weekend and neither side wants a divorce. Published May 14, 2025
The Inflation Reduction Act tax credits are at risk
Way back in 2022, the Joint Committee on Taxation estimated that the Inflation Reduction Act would increase the federal deficit by $366 billion over the next 10 years. Published May 11, 2025
Congressional overreach: Greene’s hearing on private fencing match pointless
I believe just about everyone is either a male or a female in every cell of their body, and concerning the primary sexual organs with which they were born. Published May 6, 2025
Trump’s reindustrialization depends on protecting energy giants like Phillips 66
It is safe to say that reindustrializing America is at the center of President Trump's agenda. Published May 4, 2025
Simple truths for complex times: Advice to the next generation
A few days ago, I talked with professor Henry Barbour's public policy class at the University of Mississippi. Published April 30, 2025
Independent agencies: Important for stability, business planning or obstructionists to presidents?
The independent regulatory agencies are among the most troublesome weeds that grow in the federal government. Published April 27, 2025
A valedictory for Pope Francis
One of the best customs that happens in the wake of the death of a pope is that he is no longer referred to by his papal name but rather by his baptismal name. Published April 23, 2025
250 years after Lexington and Concord, do we still fight for freedom?
John Brown, Samuel Hadley, Caleb Harrington, Jonathan Harrington, Robert Munroe, Isaac Muzzey, Asahel Porter and Jonas Parker were the first American casualties in the American Revolution. Published April 20, 2025
Enduring impact of an obscure Jewish carpenter on modern civilization
This weekend, the world's 2 1/2 billion Christians will celebrate the torture, execution and resurrection of an obscure Jewish carpenter. Published April 16, 2025
Trump might be faring better if he had flooded Congress with bills instead of signing orders
In the wake of an election, it is always tempting to conclude that the winning side will advance from victory to victory and all its efforts will result in unalloyed achievements of its policies. Published April 13, 2025
What do Americans say about Trump’s tariffs?
A lot of people are concerned about the president's tariffpalooza. Published April 9, 2025
Significant reform of Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act essential
The Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act was presented as an attempt to promote energy independence and diversify the electricity sector. Published April 6, 2025
