President Trump opened his second term last year with a dramatic announcement of sweeping tariffs on all sorts of goods — including many not made in the United States. As importers passed those costs on to consumers, families ended up paying thousands of extra dollars before courts halted tariffs — and prices still haven’t come down.
Adding insult to injury, the Supreme Court has ruled that corporations are entitled to refunds for tariffs — but not the consumers who ended up actually paying them. “With corporate profits at record highs, Congress should step in to ensure that consumers see some relief,” Alex Jacquez argues. “Americans already paid these tariffs once — they shouldn’t have to pay again while corporations cash the checks.”
Meanwhile, Igor Volsky — whose family fled the crumbling Soviet Union in 1991 — scoffs a bit at critics who call it “Soviet” or “communist” to talk about taxing billionaires. “Taxing extreme wealth in order to reduce the influence of a tiny, ultra-rich elite isn’t how democracies fall,” Igor reflects. “It’s how they survive.”
Also this week, housing advocates Tony Carter, Sandra Scott, and Mariaane Dolan, who’ve all experienced homelessness, share about the kinds of programs that can actually keep people housed. And Jim Hightower raises the alarm about billionaires targeting rural Americans’ water for AI data centers.
New This Week….
You Paid for Trump’s Tariffs. Corporations Get the Refund. | Alex Jacquez
Trump’s tariff refunds are going to corporations — not the consumers who got stuck with the higher prices.
I Fled the USSR. That’s Why I Support Taxing Billionaires. | Igor Volsky
Taxing extreme wealth in order to reduce the influence of a tiny, ultra-rich elite isn’t how democracies fall. It’s how they survive.
The Way Home Exists — We’re Living Proof | Tony Carter, Sandra Scott, and Marianne Dolan
Cities across the country are considering permanently affordable housing. That’s good — but we’ll keep more people off the streets if we also invest in supportive services.
Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos Want Your Water | Jim Hightower
Tech CEOs have decided they’re entitled to exploit the scarce water resources of millions of Americans, especially in rural areas, for data centers.
In Case You Missed It…
GOP Gerrymandering Is Erasing the South’s Black Voters | Jordan Liz
Gerrymandering gives us government for politicians by politicians. We must end it and restore the Voting Rights Act.
The U.S. Must End Its Illegal Boat Strikes | Farrah Hassen
The boat strikes have killed nearly 200 people, many of them fishermen. Who will be held accountable?
She Spoke Up for Due Process. Now She’s Detained Without Charges. | Sulma Arias
Americans should demand the release of jailed Salvadoran lawyer Ruth Lopez — because it can happen here, too.
Private Equity Is Taking Over Nursing Homes — And Seniors Are Paying the Price | Scott Doerr
When corporations take over public health care, quality decreases, and patients suffer. Medicaid cuts could lead to the same result.
