Life Is Getting More Expensive Under Donald Trump...And The Numbers Are Brutal
We are reaching a tipping point.
There’s a talking point floating around right now that the economy is “booming” under Donald Trump.
Wall Street loves it.
Corporate media repeats it.
Republican politicians won’t shut up about it.
But if you look at what’s actually happening to regular people, the picture couldn’t be more different.
Because underneath the headlines and stock market tickers, this is the real story:
U.S. foreclosures just surged 20% as more homeowners fall behind on mortgage payments, according to ATTOM.
Americans now hold a record $13.1 trillion in mortgages, $1.2 trillion in credit card debt, and a staggering $18.6 trillion in overall household debt.
And here’s the one that should stop everyone in their tracks:
Credit card debt is up 50% since 2020.
Fifty. Percent.
That means people aren’t just struggling - they’re drowning.
Not saving.
Not building wealth.
Not climbing into the “middle class” politicians love to talk about.
They’re swiping cards to pay for groceries.
Taking on debt to cover medical bills.
Skipping loan payments so they can buy gas.
Slipping deeper into a financial hole they didn’t create.
And while all this is happening, Donald Trump is out here bragging about how “strong” the economy is because the billionaires he listens to are doing just fine.
Of course they are.
They’re the ones benefiting from this system.
What Economy Are We Talking About Here?
Because the economy most Americans live in looks like this:
Housing costs are out of control
Rent is swallowing entire paychecks
Groceries are absurdly expensive
Medical bills can ruin your life in an afternoon
Interest rates punish anyone who isn’t already wealthy
And wages? Barely moving.
People aren’t failing.
The system is failing.
And the people who built this system want you to blame yourself, not them.
Donald Trump loves to claim he’s “pro-worker” and “pro-family.”
But under his leadership, the only people getting real economic protection are billionaires and corporations:
Tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy? Yes.
Deregulation for giant corporations? Absolutely.
Crushing debt for the working class? Apparently, that’s just the cost of doing business.
This isn’t an economy.
It’s a wealth extraction machine.
We Don’t Fix This Until We Confront the Real Problem
It doesn’t matter how many speeches Trump gives about “America First.”
It doesn’t matter how many corporate Democrats claim they “feel our pain.”
None of that means anything unless our government is willing to confront the people who actually run the economy:
the billionaires
the monopolies
the banks
the corporations that profit from our debt, instability, and desperation.
And right now?
We don’t have that government.
Not under Donald Trump, who has never once stood up to the billionaire class.
And not under corporate Democrats who fold the second their donors tell them to.
If we want an economy that works for everyone, not just the people in boardrooms, we need leaders who are actually willing to challenge power, not protect it.
Because until that happens, the numbers aren’t going to magically improve.
Foreclosures will keep climbing.
Debt will keep ballooning.
And the people doing everything right will keep falling behind.
The truth is simple:
We can’t have economic justice without political courage.
And we will never get either from the people currently profiting off our suffering.
✨ Small Business Spotlight
I talk a lot in this newsletter about the dangers of giant corporations, how they manipulate our economy, squeeze workers, dodge accountability, and shape policy in their own favor. So it feels especially important, now more than ever, to highlight the people who represent the opposite of that:
small businesses, craftspeople, creators, and community builders.
These are the people who put real care into what they make.
These are the people who aren’t trying to dominate the world, they’re just trying to make something meaningful and offer it to their communities.
Small businesses are the backbone of what makes this country great, and this holiday season, I want to encourage all of us to redirect our spending away from Amazon and Walmart, and toward businesses that actually reflect our values.
So with that in mind, I’m launching a short spotlight series, and today’s feature is a beautiful one.
✨ Today’s Spotlight: Lunar Spark Shop
If you’re looking for gifts that feel intentional, soothing, and made with real human care, you’ll want to check out Lunar Spark Shop, a small business crafting non-toxic, 100% pure beeswax candles, each infused with intention and stunning natural elements.
Their candles are not only gorgeous (seriously look at the photo above), they’re made without harmful chemicals, so you can enjoy them without worrying about what you’re breathing in.
Lunar Spark Shop also carries ethically curated crystals, perfect for healing practices or just as unique decorative pieces that bring beauty into your home.
A few reasons to love them:
🌙 100% pure beeswax - no toxins, no junk
💜 Ethically sourced crystals
🔮 Every candle is made with intention
🌸 Aromas designed to calm the senses
📲 Live streams twice a week on Instagram: @lunarstonewolfaz
✨ 15% off during the holiday season
🛒 Shop here:
https://lunarsparkshop.etsy.com
If you’re trying to shop with purpose this year, this is a beautiful place to start.
Final Call To Action.
Independent media doesn’t survive on clicks.
It survives on people who care, enough to read, to share, to stand up.
If this breakdown struck you:
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Until next time,
Desmond
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While the beginning of this post was depressing to write, I was really excited about the end. I've been saying for years that we shouldn't just do a "small business Saturday", but instead a "small business December". I know that practically speaking, it's very hard to completely avoid the major corporations, but I wanted to put a brighter spotlight on small businesses this year. Lunar Spark Shop is the first in this series, but I plan on having a few more throughout December (and going forward). Let's support small businesses this holiday season. Jeff Bezos has enough damn money.
I am really excited about your small business series, Desmond, and especially Lunar Spark Shop. This shop is perfect for my daughter-in-law. It practically screams her name. Thanks so much for the tip.