Peter Morici
Columns by Peter Morici
Scott Bessent has the right idea to rescue Trump’s trade strategy
President Trump's trade war isn't going well. His tariffs are producing results, but not those most Americans want. Published April 29, 2025
A Mar-a-Largo accord to fix U.S. trade, end global dollar dependence
Elon Musk likes to move fast and break things, whereas President Trump prefers to throw a few grenades and see where the pieces fall. Published April 22, 2025
Trump’s tariffs boost Democrats’ prospects for winning big in the midterms
President Trump is wagering tariffs on Republican majorities in Congress. Published April 15, 2025
Trump’s tariffs are hardly novel but will make everyone worse off
President Trump's tariffs and protectionism are hardly new among presidents. Published April 8, 2025
Federal Reserve faces Trump pressure amid inflation concerns
These are perilous times for the Federal Reserve. Published April 1, 2025
A recession could leave Americans humming ‘Oh, Canada’
President Donald Trump's convincing victory and mandate ignited optimism for more stock market gains, continued economic growth, and higher inflation. Published March 25, 2025
Runaway federal deficits threaten the dollar’s global status much more than the BRICS
President Trump has threatened punitive tariffs on BRIC nations for exploring alternatives to the dollar for international payments. Published March 18, 2025
Six economic Black Swans that could trigger a recession under Trump
Recession risks are emerging as consumers grow pessimistic, and the COVID-19 recovery is increasingly driven by the wealthiest 10% of households by their stock market gains. Published March 11, 2025
Reciprocal tariffs would be Trump’s undoing
President Trump's radical shifts in economic policies will leave America isolated and ignite the kind of inflation that undermined the credibility of the Biden-Harris administration. Published March 4, 2025
Fixing America’s broken health care system
The assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson triggered a disturbing avalanche of sympathy for the suspected murderer, often laced with sarcasm about health insurance systems. Published February 25, 2025
Trump’s policies undercut the Fed’s fight with inflation
The Federal Reserve is holding the federal funds rate steady while looking for signs that inflation is moving closer to 2% but the bond market is betting President Trump will undercut its efforts. Published February 18, 2025
Why Trump’s protectionism is so appealing but won’t make us rich
President Donald Trump is reimaging U.S. foreign and international economic policies, and Americans won't be richer. Published February 11, 2025
Economic realities of Trump’s trade war with China
The world has changed since President Trump was first elected in 2016. Published February 4, 2025
Federal Reserve policymakers talk too much
The Federal Reserve has a tough job, and its communications strategy isn't helping. Published January 28, 2025
How AI could grow U.S. out of federal debt problems
The Biden economy finished with a remarkable sprint. Published January 21, 2025
Federal Reserve policy review should embrace a hard ceiling for inflation
The Federal Reserve will soon begin its quinquennial review of the monetary policy strategy, tools and communications employed to fulfill its congressional mandate. Published January 14, 2025
Trump should impose China tariffs, prioritize renewing tax cuts and immigration reform
Practical constraints require that a new administration implement programs that complement but do not necessarily replicate its campaign promises. Published January 7, 2025
For economy to succeed, Trump must control his extreme impulses
President-elect Donald Trump has a mandate to implement populist policies, but like President Biden, he is inclined to extreme solutions, which jeopardizes his chances for success. Published December 31, 2024
U.S. needs a saner approach to immigration
Americans have been appalled by thousands of illegal immigrants exacerbating homelessness and straining shelters, schools and social services budgets. Published December 24, 2024
Trump needs Asian-focused trade strategy to combat China
Many blame tariffs imposed by President-elect Donald Trump for the rise of protectionism, but the global trading system was dysfunctional long before MAGA hats. Published December 17, 2024
