Discourse,
‍with Direction.

The U.S. national debt has always been a critical policy issue with long term consequences on the country's economic stability. Historically, broad political consensus exists that current debt levels are unsustainable. This brief explores the political discourse and past policy attempts of inaction, particularly for young Americans.

Trump’s Greenland gambit has morphed from flippant musing into actual strategy. Cloaked in the rhetoric of ‘national security,’ it is an unsubtle attempt to unseat China from its position of mineral dominance. Yet this gambit is redolent of neo-imperial hubris: it risks imperilling alliances, flouts international law, and—at its core—treats acquisition as diplomacy. In seeking to mine Greenland’s riches, Trump may impoverish America’s global standing.

Trade policy among nations has historically been a pivotal tool for shaping economic relationships. Mechanisms such as tariffs are utilized to protect domestic industries, generate revenue, and counteract unfair trade practices. However, the unintended consequences of trade policy, like rising consumer prices and manufacturing uncertainty, can lead to controversy among government officials and the general public. This brief examines President Donald Trump’s 2025 trade policy, exploring its impacts on key stakeholders and potential policy options to address ongoing controversy.