What Was Trump’s Promise?
Trump ran on a big economic vision: a thriving America from Day 1. He promised to “make America affordable again” with 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico and up to 145% on China to boost U.S. manufacturing. He vowed lower prices, more jobs, and cheap gas, down to $2 a gallon. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick pitched tariffs as a way to bring factories home. But by April 2025, it’s rough: the S&P 500’s down 15.6%, per U.S. Bank, groceries cost $3,800 more yearly, per Yale Budget Lab, and JPMorgan sees a 60% recession risk.
SoWhat? Is this 2008 all over again?
Not quite, but it’s scary. Back then, a housing bubble burst, banks collapsed, and unemployment hit 10%. Today, tariffs are driving inflation, with grocery costs up $3,800 a year. The S&P 500’s 15.6% drop, per U.S. Bank, echoes 2008’s market crash, slashing 401(k)s. NPR reports consumer confidence at a four-year low, like pre-2008 jitters. Household debt is at $18 trillion, but banks are stronger now, per CNBC. Trump’s team says tariffs will spark a manufacturing boom, unlike 2008’s financial mess. Critics warn of trade wars, China and Canada are hitting U.S. exports like soybeans, pushing us toward recession. It’s not 2008 yet, but the vibes are bad here’s why:
- Big Tariffs: 25% on Canada/Mexico, 145% on China, raising prices for food and electronics.
- Stock Market Falls: S&P 500 is down 15.6%. It crashed 10.7% in three days.
- Grocery Costs Up: Mexican tomatoes and avocados cost families $3,800 more a year.
- Recession Risk: JPMorgan says there’s a 60% chance of recession soon.
- Some New Jobs: A Cape Cod worker got a 50% pay raise in manufacturing.
- Trade Wars: China and Canada hit U.S. exports, hurting farmers.
So How Can You Handel Those Changes?
- Save money, skip extras like coffee shops. Use apps like Mint to track spending.
- Buy local, get cheap produce at farmers’ markets. Avoid tariffed imports.
- Protect savings, buy bonds or gold to handle stock market drops, per experts.
- Get help, call 211 for food or bill aid. United Way got 16.8 million calls last year.
- Stay updated, read NPR or Reuters to know about tariff changes.
Wrapping It Up
Trump’s 100th day shows an economy in trouble. Tariffs, stock crashes, and grocery bills hurt. Recession fears are growing. But some jobs are coming back. It’s a tough time. Budget smart. Stay informed. You can get through this.
Stay Ahead Effortlessly with SoWhat
Want to stay informed without endless scrolling? SoWhat is your AI-powered insights assistant, delivering concise, personalized reports on world events straight to your inbox, every 24 hours. Stay sharp. Stay informed. Get your free daily report HERE.
