Peter's Blog

Unmasking Trump’s Hidden Treasury

As Trump’s crypto and sovereign wealth reserves gain momentum, free-marketers should recall that such measures, while perhaps a temporary improvement, are not the key to a healthy economy. If Trump wants to fix the economy, he should focus on fixing the debt and hardening our money.

Tariffs: A Hidden Tax on Prosperity

With Trump’s latest batch of tariffs taking effect on March 4th, the American consumer is in for an economic beating. Just like any other tax, tariffs make us poorer.

Federal Contractors Are Just Another Form of Government Waste

Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) continues to make headlines, with the bureaucratic class panicking over its possible demise at Musk’s hand. DOGE’s goals are laudable, but the department should prioritize eliminating wasteful services completely, not replacing them with pseudo-private actors.

Congress Must Reclaim Its Authority Over Tariffs

President Trump continues to make waves with tariffs, with each announcement sending the market into a frenzy. Whether said tariffs will make economic life better is doubtful, but one thing is certain. It is foolish to entrust the power to levy such taxes to one man.

Purchasing Power and Global Demand for the U.S. Dollar

With trade wars popping in and out of headlines during the Trump presidency, there are no guarantees when it comes to foreign exchange. As tariffs, bailouts, and central banks all affect exchange rates, it’s worth revisiting what causes the international economy to demand the almighty US dollar.

The Fed Can No Longer Ignore Stubborn Inflation

Last week’s inflation data confirms what many economists have been saying for months: the Fed’s inflation target is not achievable anytime soon. In fact, many economic signals suggest the opposite: inflation is here to stay, and even the Fed realizes it.

Who’s Got Beef?

As the Fed becomes even more dovish on inflation, average Americans are paying the price on everyday goods and services. The price of beef, in particular, exemplifies the problems that arise when the government tinkers with interest rates and grows deficits with no end.

Elon Musk’s Misunderstanding of Money

For better or worse, Elon Musk has taken a liking to old Milton Friedman videos. On the good side, Musk has embraced Friedman’s distrust of government and money printing. Friedman, however, was no Rothbard regarding the consistent application of ethical and economic principles to the actions of the state. Despite Friedman’s compromises and error-ridden macroeconomic theorizing, there’s […]

Tariffs Won’t Bring Back American Prosperity

With the fallout from President Trump’s tariffs still echoing throughout the economy, many are lauding the president’s policies as valuable leverage against trade allies. What these praises miss, however, are the unintended consequences of protectionism and the depressing effect of political uncertainty on economic activity.

Rising Long-Term Interest Rates: The Hidden Impact of High Time Preference

In the wake of last week’s FOMC meeting, it’s worth revisiting the economic function of interest rates, which guide economic activity in accordance with societal time preference. In order to suppress the natural rate of interest, central banks must resort to inflation.