Trump's Own Numbers Crush His Lies...
Oct 4, 2026 · 23m
Summary
Ben Mays and chief economist Justin Wolfers analyze the grim US economic outlook, highlighting a weak jobs report, declining wage growth, and a national debt exceeding $40 trillion. They discuss how Trump’s contradictory claims about affordability clash with rising inflation and manufacturing costs, while also examining how the AI spending boom is distorting stock markets and driving up interest rates. The episode concludes with a call for truthful, steady economic leadership rather than political manipulation.
Topics discussed
Sponsors: Instagram, Anthropic, Visible, Blinds.com, Vior
Trump's economic claims vs. $40T debt reality
Treasury yields and PCE calculation changes
Weak jobs report and downward revisions
Wage stagnation and purchasing power decline
Inflation in agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism
Introduction of guest Justin Wolfers
Debunking the theory that jobs data is fabricated
Analysis of low wage growth and inflation
Stock market gains vs. struggling real economy
AI spending boom and its impact on markets
Rising bond yields and borrowing costs
Fed rate expectations and market reactions
Need for steady leadership and truth in policy
Core values: Truth and stability in governance
Commentary on presidential temperament and mood
Promoting Platypus Economics and core values
Book promotion: WTF America
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