In addition to rising prices and tariffs, readers cite growing unemployment as a reason not to exchange gifts this year

In addition to rising prices and tariffs, readers cite growing unemployment as a reason not to exchange gifts this year

Americans are feeling rattled about the state of the economy. Donald Trump has batted away question after question from reporters on concerns over higher prices, just a year after he won an election promising to bring down costs.

While the White House has tried to reduce concern, floating tariff-funded $2,000 stimulus checks and removing import levies on certain agricultural imports, many consumers remain anxious.

Preparing for the holiday season, and bracing for the spending it often demands, Guardian readers across the US expressed apprehension – and explained how they plan to spend – in this economy. Many said the higher cost of necessities, like groceries, was imposing on their ability to buy gifts for family and friends.

  • sylver_dragon@lemmy.worldEnglish
    14·
    6 hours ago

    The Felon in Chief can bluster all he likes. When people don’t have the money to spend, they ain’t gonna spend it.

    This is also why the Trump administration is considering helicopter money checks. These types of hand-outs can give people a sense of having money. The problem is that it ultimately drives inflation. We saw this with the stimulus checks during the pandemic. Arguably, something was needed then to support people during an actual emergency. But part of the inflation problems we have now can be traced back to those checks.

    “Tariff” checks may give a short boost to holiday buying. But the long term damage is not going to be worth it to anyone but Trump. And that assumes the short term benefits last through the 2026 midterms.