America’s blue-collar workers are thriving once again, and it’s no surprise who’s behind this historic rebound. Under President Donald Trump’s steadfast America First leadership, wages for hourly employees—those hardworking Americans who serve as the backbone of our nation—have soared at the fastest rate since 1969. This isn’t just rhetoric or political spin; it’s the cold, hard truth backed by undeniable data.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently laid out the facts plainly, stating on social media platform X: “Thanks to @POTUS’s pro-growth, America First policies, real wages for hourly workers are up nearly 2% in the first five months of @realDonaldTrump’s second term—the strongest growth in 60 years.” Bessent isn’t merely cheerleading; he’s pointing to a real shift in the American economy, a shift that puts the forgotten men and women front and center once again.

Thanks to @POTUS’s pro-growth, America First policies, real wages for hourly workers are up nearly 2% in the first five months of @realDonaldTrump’s second term — the strongest growth in 60 years.

No president has done that before — except President Trump in his first term.… pic.twitter.com/gasjQn33eb

— Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (@SecScottBessent) June 17, 2025

In fact, the numbers speak volumes. According to the latest figures, wage growth for nonsupervisory and production workers—our blue-collar heroes—has surged 1.7% since Trump took office for his second term. The last time we witnessed this kind of rapid growth was during Trump’s first term when wage increases hit 1.3%. To put it bluntly, Donald Trump has set a new standard for empowering working-class Americans, a standard no other president has matched in more than half a century.

More importantly, this impressive rise in wages hasn’t been drowned out by inflation, as some critics predicted. Instead, inflation has remained relatively stable, with the Consumer Price Index rising just 2.4% last month, slightly above April’s 2.3% increase. Economists had braced for far worse, citing concerns over tariffs, but once again, President Trump’s bold economic strategy proved the experts wrong.

Trump himself wasted no time highlighting these impressive results, taking to Truth Social to urge the Federal Reserve to act decisively: “CPI JUST OUT. GREAT NUMBERS! FED SHOULD LOWER ONE FULL POINT. WOULD PAY MUCH LESS INTEREST ON DEBT COMING DUE. SO IMPORTANT!!!” The President understands that lowering interest rates doesn’t just help Wall Street—it helps Main Street businesses and hardworking families by reducing their debt burden and spurring further economic growth.

Now, the administration is doubling down, pushing Congress to pass the One Big, Beautiful Bill—a legislative package designed to supercharge our economy and further elevate the lives of ordinary Americans. Bessent explained clearly to lawmakers last week that this bill would mean real, tangible benefits, significantly raising take-home pay between $7,800 and $13,300 for an average family of four and boosting wages by $6,100 to $11,600 for the typical worker.

Yet, Democrats and obstructionist politicians continue to drag their feet, apparently more interested in scoring partisan points than in lifting up the American worker. Make no mistake: failing to pass this vital legislation would lead to disastrous consequences. As Bessent warned Congress, “It would be the largest tax hike in history. It would be a disaster for businesses, for working Americans, and for our status in the world.”

We cannot afford to go backward. The economic revival we’ve seen under President Trump isn’t mere luck or chance—it’s a direct result of targeted policies that prioritize American jobs, American families, and American prosperity. Trump’s focus on manufacturing revival, trade reform, and cutting red tape has empowered blue-collar America in ways unseen for decades.

The choice for Congress—and for all of us—is clear. Do we continue down this path of prosperity, putting America First and rewarding the hardworking men and women who keep our nation strong? Or do we return to failed, high-tax, anti-growth policies that crushed the American worker under Biden and his allies?

The answer must be unequivocal. Stand with Trump and America’s workers to ensure we maintain this historic momentum. The future of our nation depends on it.

The woke tech titans who once preached unity and partnership are now at each other’s throats, and conservatives should be paying close attention. OpenAI, the Silicon Valley darling behind the ChatGPT technology, is now seriously contemplating accusing Microsoft—their largest investor and strategic partner—of anticompetitive behavior, according to a recent report from the Wall Street Journal.

This development isn’t just an isolated spat between two tech giants. It’s symptomatic of deeper dysfunction and power struggles within the liberal-dominated Big Tech ecosystem. OpenAI executives are reportedly mulling a federal regulatory review of their contract with Microsoft, potentially launching a public campaign against the software behemoth. Such a move would undoubtedly shake up one of the most pivotal partnerships in artificial intelligence today.

Why should conservatives care about this Silicon Valley squabble? Because it exposes the hypocrisy and unchecked ambition that underlies the tech industry’s left-leaning globalist agenda. For years, Big Tech companies have aligned closely with progressive causes, preaching about “equity” and “fairness” while quietly consolidating power and control over information and technology. Microsoft’s billion-dollar investment in OpenAI was heralded as a groundbreaking moment, promising to democratize AI technology. But as always, the devil is in the details, and now it seems OpenAI is waking up to the harsh reality of being tethered to a corporate giant.

OpenAI is reportedly seeking Microsoft’s approval to transition into a public-benefit corporation—an arrangement that would ostensibly prioritize social good over profit. But months of negotiations have stalled, and the two sides remain far apart. The core of the dispute involves the terms of Microsoft’s equity stake and its exclusive rights to host OpenAI’s technology on Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform. OpenAI is pushing to limit Microsoft’s future profits by restructuring the relationship so that Microsoft holds just a 33 percent stake in exchange for foregoing future earnings from the partnership.

But Microsoft isn’t budging. The tech giant is reportedly demanding additional concessions from OpenAI, unwilling to surrender its lucrative exclusive rights without significant compensation. This standoff highlights the inherent tensions in partnerships between innovative startups and established tech monopolies. For conservatives, it underscores the need for a robust antitrust agenda that prevents Big Tech from bullying smaller players and stifling competition.

In fact, OpenAI is already signaling its disillusionment with Microsoft by exploring other options. Just recently, Reuters reported that OpenAI plans to partner with Alphabet’s Google Cloud to reduce its dependence on Microsoft and meet its rapidly expanding computing demands. This pivot towards Google, another tech giant with its own troubling track record on censorship and ideological bias, further illustrates the complicated landscape conservatives must navigate.

This unfolding drama also serves as a timely reminder of why President Trump’s America First priorities—including promoting domestic manufacturing and technological independence—are critical to our nation’s future. Instead of relying on woke Silicon Valley elites and their monopolistic practices, America must invest in homegrown technology and innovation. We cannot allow the future of artificial intelligence, with its enormous implications for our economy and national security, to be dominated by a handful of powerful corporate actors who are more interested in their bottom lines than the national interest.

As conservatives, we should advocate for clear-eyed, principled oversight of Big Tech. Antitrust laws exist for a reason—to safeguard fair competition and protect consumers from predatory practices. OpenAI’s potential antitrust accusations against Microsoft are a stark reminder that unchecked corporate power is a bipartisan threat. Conservatives must support policies that promote transparency, accountability, and genuine competition in the technology sector.

The battle brewing between OpenAI and Microsoft is more than just corporate infighting. It’s a wake-up call for conservatives to stand firm against Big Tech monopolies, demand accountability, and champion an America First approach to innovation and technology. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and the time for action is now.

Over the weekend, the world was reminded yet again that stability in the Middle East remains fragile, as Israel took decisive action against Iranian energy installations. In response, oil prices soared, underscoring how America’s energy independence and security remain more critical than ever. Under President Trump’s renewed determination to rebuild our own energy dominance, this latest turmoil serves as a stark reminder of why domestic production is not merely an economic imperative—it’s a national security necessity.

West Texas Intermediate crude jumped significantly Sunday evening, rising by over 2% to $74.56 per barrel, while global benchmark Brent crude climbed similarly to $75.84 per barrel. These price spikes weren’t merely reactions to the weekend’s events—they represent the market’s growing anxiety about the potential disruptions Iran might cause in retaliation, particularly in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly 20 million barrels of oil flow each day. The implications for our economy are clear: any disruption in Middle Eastern supply is felt immediately and painfully at home.

Yet amid the turmoil, U.S. stock markets are exhibiting remarkable resilience. Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average barely moved, down just 23 points, while S&P 500 and Nasdaq-100 futures remained virtually flat. This calm demeanor indicates investors’ confidence in President Trump’s pro-growth, America-first economic agenda. They understand that, despite international instability, America’s economic fundamentals remain strong thanks to policies promoting domestic manufacturing, energy independence, and fair trade agreements that safeguard American industries and workers.

But let’s be clear: America’s energy independence—a cornerstone of President Trump’s MAGA agenda—is non-negotiable. Gone are the days under Biden and his radical allies when we surrendered our energy policies to the whims of global markets and hostile regimes. Under the Trump administration, the strategic imperative has been clear: American energy first, American jobs first, and American security above all.

Geopolitical expert Chris Weston from Pepperstone noted that “as the Iran-Israel conflict intensifies,” markets have seen “a lively open in crude and natural gas futures,” a clear indication that global instability directly impacts our economic wellbeing. While Israel’s recent strikes haven’t yet curtailed Iran’s oil exports, the risk remains high. If conflict escalates further, the repercussions could be swift and severe, underscoring the absolute necessity of maintaining robust domestic energy production.

The recent volatility in oil prices isn’t a mere blip—it’s a flashing warning sign. Bob Savage, head of markets macro strategy at BNY, emphasizes that for geopolitical events to fundamentally shift investor sentiment, we would need to see oil trading consistently above $80 per barrel. This isn’t far-fetched given the current scenario. Any further intensification could push prices to levels where American consumers start feeling significant pain at the pump, and businesses struggle with higher operational costs.

President Trump recognizes this risk, which is precisely why his administration has prioritized policies that re-energize American drilling, refining, and energy infrastructure. Returning power to American companies and workers isn’t just good politics—it’s sound, strategic policy that insulates our nation from the chaos of global markets. This domestic strength signals clearly to our adversaries—be it Iran, China, or Russia—that America will not be held hostage by their geopolitical gambits.

This weekend’s events should serve as a wake-up call for anyone who doubts the wisdom of President Trump’s America First energy policy. It reminds us that depending on hostile foreign regimes for energy is economic suicide and a critical vulnerability. America cannot afford to abandon its energy renaissance. We must intensify efforts to expand domestic production, modernize infrastructure, and secure a future where America not only remains energy independent but dominant. Our economic prosperity and national security depend on it, now more than ever.

JD Vance has joined President Trump in calling out the Federal Reserve, sharply accusing the central bank of committing “monetary malpractice” by stubbornly refusing to cut interest rates. Vance’s words echo the America First economic agenda, where lowering borrowing costs for American families and businesses is crucial to revitalizing manufacturing and accelerating American prosperity.

In a recent post on X, Vice President Vance said, “The president has been saying this for a while, but it’s even more clear: the refusal by the Fed to cut rates is monetary malpractice.” This sentiment resonates deeply with conservatives who have grown increasingly skeptical of the Fed’s heavy-handed approach to monetary policy, which critics argue risks strangling economic growth and undermining the administration’s bold economic vision.

The recent inflation data underscores the validity of Vance and Trump’s criticism. Core inflation rose a mere 0.1% in May, while annual headline inflation came in at a modest 2.4%. These numbers fell notably below economists’ expectations, suggesting that the Fed’s rationale for holding rates high—supposedly to combat inflation—may be overstated or outdated. Conservatives have long argued that the Fed’s cautious stance on rates has less to do with clear economic necessity and more to do with institutional inertia and a stubborn refusal to admit past mistakes.

President Trump has been relentless in his criticism of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, labeling him a “fool” and a “major loser” for his unwillingness to align monetary policy with the administration’s pro-growth agenda. Trump’s confidence in the American economy is clear, but Powell’s timidity threatens to put the brakes on the robust economic revival the administration has fought so hard to achieve. Trump’s insistence that rates must “drop immediately” isn’t mere political rhetoric—it’s sound economic policy, aimed at ensuring American competitiveness and job creation in an increasingly competitive global market.

The Fed, for its part, remains defiant. Powell continues to maintain that interest rates must remain elevated, citing the potential inflationary impacts of tariffs on imported goods. Yet, as the administration has repeatedly emphasized, tariffs are a necessary tool to protect American workers and businesses from predatory foreign practices—particularly from China. The Fed’s fixation on the supposed dangers of tariffs conveniently ignores their critical role in President Trump’s broader vision of economic nationalism, where American workers and businesses come first.

Powell’s recent remarks underscore the Fed’s troubling disconnect: “If the large increases in tariffs that have been announced are sustained, they are likely to generate a rise in inflation, a slowdown in economic growth, and an increase in unemployment.” However, this prediction has yet to materialize meaningfully in official economic data. Many conservatives rightly question whether Powell and the Fed are allowing speculative fears to guide policy, rather than concrete economic realities.

Moreover, the Fed’s persistent pessimism about tariffs ignores the administration’s record of economic success. Under Trump, America has witnessed a manufacturing revival, a steady job market, and rising wages—all despite Powell’s overly cautious approach to monetary policy. It’s becoming increasingly clear that the Fed’s resistance to cutting rates isn’t based on sound economics, but rather institutional stubbornness and a misguided obsession with theoretical inflation risks.

JD Vance’s strong stance against the Fed’s “monetary malpractice” is more than justified—it’s necessary. The American people deserve a central bank that supports economic growth and prosperity, not one that actively undermines it. Lowering interest rates would unleash further economic activity, stimulate investment, and strengthen America’s manufacturing base. It’s time for Jerome Powell and the Federal Reserve to put aside their bureaucratic caution and embrace the bold, pro-growth vision championed by President Trump and Vice President Vance.

The stakes are high: the Fed’s current path risks sabotaging American prosperity. Conservatives must continue to demand accountability and insist that the Federal Reserve align its policies with America’s economic interests. JD Vance’s blunt assessment is exactly what’s needed—it’s time to end the monetary malpractice and reignite the engines of American greatness.

Elon Musk, the visionary CEO of SpaceX, has boldly declared what few dare to say aloud: the International Space Station (ISS) is past its prime, unsafe, and ready for retirement. Musk recently took to his own social media platform, X, demanding that the ISS be dismantled and safely removed from orbit within the next two years—far ahead of NASA’s planned timeline. His reasoning? The ISS, an aging relic of the Cold War era, has become increasingly unsafe, risking the lives of astronauts and burdening American taxpayers.

Indeed, Musk’s argument is both logical and timely. The ISS, with its initial modules dating back to the mid-1980s, has outlived its intended lifespan. Recently, NASA was forced to delay the Axiom Mission 4 due to an alarming leak discovered aboard the station’s Zvezda module—a critical component that was built in 1985 and integrated aboard the ISS in 2000. Musk highlighted this incident as a glaring example of the ISS’s deteriorating infrastructure and the urgent need for action.

While NASA insists on operating the ISS until 2030, Musk views this as an unacceptable gamble. Considering that SpaceX itself benefits financially from ongoing ISS operations, Musk’s stand is commendable and underscores the seriousness of his concern. His message resonates clearly: astronaut safety and efficient use of taxpayer dollars must take priority over sentimental attachment to outdated international arrangements.

The ISS, as a multinational cooperative project involving Russia, Canada, Japan, Europe, and the U.S., has long symbolized international unity in space exploration. However, unity alone doesn’t justify maintaining a hazardous facility. NASA itself acknowledges the necessity of eventually transitioning to commercially-owned and operated stations in low-Earth orbit, stating: “In the future, the United States plans to transition its operations in low Earth orbit to commercially-owned and -operated destinations to ensure continued access to essential research and technology development.”

It’s clear that Musk’s SpaceX is uniquely positioned to lead this transition. Already playing a pivotal role by ferrying astronauts and cargo to the ISS via Dragon spacecraft, SpaceX has demonstrated unparalleled capabilities in space technology. The company’s continued success in revolutionizing space travel only bolsters Musk’s credibility on this critical national security and safety issue.

President Trump’s America First agenda aligns perfectly with Musk’s forward-thinking vision. America’s return to leadership in space—prioritizing safety, innovation, and national pride—is precisely what the MAGA movement stands for. As Trump has repeatedly emphasized, America must lead in space to ensure our national security, technological sovereignty, and economic prosperity. Allowing an outdated and increasingly dangerous space station to linger in orbit undermines our credibility and jeopardizes American lives.

Moreover, transitioning away from the ISS to modern, commercially-run space stations presents an unprecedented opportunity for job creation, technological innovation, and a resurgence in American manufacturing and engineering. Private American companies, led by visionaries like Musk, are ready and capable of establishing advanced orbital facilities designed for the 21st century. These stations could fuel scientific advancement, bolster defense capabilities, and catalyze economic growth right here at home.

In stark contrast to Biden-era bureaucratic inertia, Musk’s bold call for action exemplifies the vigorous, results-oriented leadership championed by President Trump and his supporters. The ISS has served admirably, but its time has passed. We must embrace progress, innovation, and safety—not cling stubbornly to outdated relics that put American astronauts at risk.

Elon Musk’s courageous stand on the ISS issue should serve as a wake-up call in Washington. It’s time for our government to prioritize astronaut safety, technological advancement, and American greatness over outdated international commitments. Let us heed Musk’s warning, retire the ISS responsibly, and forge ahead boldly into a safer, stronger, and more prosperous American future in space.

America First isn’t just a slogan—it’s a promise kept, a pledge to working families who spent decades watching their livelihoods outsourced and their communities hollowed out. President Trump’s unwavering commitment to revitalizing American industry and ensuring fair trade deals has been vindicated once again. As Britain’s economy suffers its biggest contraction since October 2023, the reason is clear: Trump’s tariffs are working exactly as intended, protecting American jobs, and forcing our trading partners to reconsider their economic priorities.

In April, the UK’s GDP fell by a troubling 0.3 percent, significantly worse than economists had predicted. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) blamed this downturn partly on the expiration of a British property tax break, but they couldn’t ignore the elephant in the room: the significant impact of tariffs imposed by President Trump’s administration. British goods exports to the United States plummeted by a staggering two billion pounds—the largest drop since monthly records began in 1997. This is no coincidence. Trump’s bold trade policies have once again demonstrated that America will no longer stand idly by while our industries and workers bear the burden of unfair foreign competition.

The British economy’s woes serve as a stark reminder of the consequences nations face when they depend heavily on exporting to the American market without fair reciprocity. Despite signing a trade agreement with the U.S. to mitigate tariffs, Britain still faces a 10 percent goods levy—a necessary measure ensuring American manufacturers remain competitive. Britain may have secured partial relief, but President Trump’s unyielding stance is clear: America first means American interests come before international appeasement.

The UK’s economic struggles are not isolated incidents. Rather, they highlight systemic issues that arise when nations fail to align their trade policies with the realities of a changing global landscape. Matt Swannell, chief economic advisor to the EY ITEM Club, conceded as much, admitting, “The drag from U.S. trade policy has added to a range of domestic headwinds, including the significant tightening of fiscal policy and the lagged pass-through of past interest rate rises.” Swannell’s acknowledgment underscores what conservatives have been saying all along: Trump’s policies are reshaping the global economic order to benefit Americans first and foremost.

Meanwhile, the British currency has weakened against the dollar, and gilt yields have fallen to a one-month low. The Bank of England, recognizing the severity of the situation, has already downgraded its growth forecasts for 2026. They project the tariffs alone will shave off 0.3 percent of British output over the next three years. Such projections emphasize the strength and strategic foresight of President Trump’s policies. The days when America footed the bill for foreign prosperity at the expense of our own citizens are over.

As Britain grapples with this economic downturn, it’s vital we remain steadfast in our resolve. Trump’s tariffs are not punitive but protective—safeguarding American manufacturing, shoring up our borders, and reviving industries long abandoned by the globalist elite. The UK economy’s contraction validates the effectiveness of Trump’s policies, which prioritize American workers over foreign interests.

Domestically, we’ve seen the results firsthand: American manufacturing is booming, our economy remains resilient, and millions of jobs have returned to communities that globalists had left behind. The British experience should serve as a wake-up call to other nations: engaging in fair trade with the United States is not optional—it’s essential. America will no longer tolerate trade imbalances that weaken our economy and undermine our national security.

In conclusion, Britain’s economic decline following the implementation of U.S. tariffs is a clear and decisive victory for the America First agenda. It affirms President Trump’s vision of a nation that stands proudly independent, economically robust, and committed to putting its people first. Let Britain’s troubles serve as a lesson to our trading partners worldwide: America now demands fairness, equality, and reciprocity in trade—principles that will continue to secure our nation’s prosperity for generations to come.

President Donald Trump has once again proven why America decided to bring him back into office, securing a major trade breakthrough with China that puts America First. After months of intense negotiations and tough diplomacy, Trump announced that the trade deal with Beijing is officially “done.” This isn’t just talk—it’s a significant victory for American jobs, industry, and national security.

In a post to Truth Social, President Trump laid out the details of the groundbreaking agreement. America will now receive a guaranteed supply of magnets and rare earth minerals directly from China, resources absolutely essential to our high-tech manufacturing, defense industry, and energy independence. Ensuring stable and secure access to these critical materials is a strategic move that bolsters American security and reduces dangerous reliance on unreliable foreign sources.

But Trump didn’t stop there. He has boldly set tariffs on Chinese goods at 55 percent, a move designed to protect American workers, industries, and families from unfair Chinese competition. Meanwhile, China receives tariffs of just 10 percent on our goods. This arrangement clearly demonstrates Trump’s strong negotiating skills and his uncompromising stance on trade fairness. As the president himself put it succinctly, “Relationship is excellent!”

Additionally, President Trump addressed the often-overlooked issue of Chinese students attending American universities. While his administration has rightly cracked down on espionage threats and intellectual property theft, Trump clarified that legitimate Chinese students attending our colleges is acceptable, provided they follow our rules and respect our laws. “Chinese students using our colleges and universities (which has always been good with me!)” Trump emphasized, highlighting his firm but fair stance.

This historic agreement is the result of recent high-level negotiations held in London, where American and Chinese officials worked diligently to resolve lingering disputes. Focused primarily on critical minerals and advanced technology exports, these talks were a bold step forward from the fragile truce brokered in Geneva last month. The success of these negotiations is a testament to Trump’s unwavering commitment to putting America first, restoring fair trade practices, and ending decades of economic surrender to Beijing.

In a follow-up post, President Trump reiterated the positive outlook, stating confidently, “President Xi and I are going to work closely together to open up China to American Trade. This would be a great WIN for both countries!!!” The significance of this partnership cannot be overstated. After years of disastrous trade policies that left America’s manufacturing base hollowed out and our middle class depleted, Trump has once again shown decisive leadership in turning the tables and making American interests a priority.

Critics, particularly those who supported the failed Biden administration, will undoubtedly attempt to undermine this achievement. They’ll complain about tariffs, call Trump’s negotiations reckless, or claim he’s antagonizing China. Don’t listen to their tired rhetoric. The results speak louder than their complaints. Trump’s tough stance is exactly what America needed after years of weak-kneed appeasement.

By securing this deal, President Trump has taken a giant stride toward restoring American manufacturing, reducing our dependence on hostile foreign powers, and revitalizing our economy. American workers, families, and communities will reap the benefits of this strategic victory for years to come.

This historic agreement sends a clear message to the rest of the world: America is done being exploited. Under Trump’s leadership, we are rebuilding our economic strength, protecting our national security, and reclaiming our sovereignty. America First isn’t just a slogan—it’s the guiding principle of a president determined to restore our nation’s greatness.

John Deere, the iconic American farm equipment maker founded in 1837, has delivered a resounding commitment to the heartland: a $20 billion investment in U.S. manufacturing over the next decade. This bold announcement crushes recent rumors suggesting the company planned to scale back its domestic operations, and sends a clear message that American manufacturing is not only alive—it’s thriving again under President Trump’s America First policies.

This substantial investment was confirmed by John Deere chairman and CEO John May, who emphasized the company’s unwavering dedication to American innovation and industrial growth. “Over the next decade, we will continue to make significant investments in our core U.S. market,” May said in a recent statement, underscoring the company’s commitment to remain globally competitive while bolstering domestic production.

This news comes on the heels of a public spat between Deere and President Trump. Last year, after Deere announced it would shift some manufacturing operations from Iowa to Mexico by the end of 2026, President Trump fired back forcefully at a policy roundtable in Pennsylvania. Trump bluntly warned, “I’m just notifying John Deere right now: If you do that, we’re putting a 200 percent tariff on everything that you want to sell into the United States.”

Days after the president’s tough stance, Deere quickly clarified its intentions, affirming that production would remain stateside. The company explained they would instead “strategically leverage” their Mexican facilities for more limited purposes, such as cab production. This rapid about-face demonstrated once again the effectiveness of President Trump’s unapologetic America First trade policy.

Yet, Deere’s announcement also arrives at a time of economic uncertainty for some of its workforce. Earlier this year, the company was forced to lay off around 400 employees, attributing the cuts to declining orders. Despite this setback, Deere’s stock has surged by approximately 23 percent this year, trading above $500 per share, reflecting investor confidence in the company’s long-term vision.

John Deere’s commitment is part of a broader resurgence of American manufacturing ushered in by President Trump’s aggressive trade reforms and business-friendly policies. Since the start of Trump’s second term, America has seen an unprecedented influx of trillions of dollars in private investment. Apple, IBM, Nvidia, Kraft Heinz, Johnson & Johnson, and numerous other corporate giants have pledged billions of dollars toward expanding their U.S. manufacturing capacities and research facilities.

The president himself noted the historic scale of this economic revival, recently stating, “I think we probably have close to $9 trillion of investments coming into this country. If you look at other presidents, there’s never been anything like that.” Trump’s economic agenda is clear: bring manufacturing jobs back home, revive American industries, and make our nation economically robust and independent again.

However, some economists remain skeptical about attributing this manufacturing revival directly to tariffs. Economist Taylor St. Germain recently argued that the influx of manufacturing investments is influenced more significantly by “policy incentives, proximity to customers in the market, and availability of skilled labor and training” rather than tariffs alone. Yet, even if tariffs aren’t the sole cause, it’s undeniable that President Trump’s aggressive stance has created an environment where companies feel compelled to invest domestically rather than offshore American jobs.

Indeed, the America First agenda is working. After decades of decline, with manufacturing payrolls shrinking by approximately 7 million jobs since their 1979 peak, the tide is finally turning. Thanks to decisive leadership and unwavering commitment to our nation’s industrial base, companies like John Deere are confidently reinvesting in American workers and infrastructure. It’s a testament to President Trump’s determination to ensure that “more production at home will mean stronger competition and lower prices for consumers.”

The $20 billion investment by John Deere is more than just dollars and cents—it’s a powerful symbol of American industry reclaiming its rightful place at the forefront of global manufacturing. The message is clear: under President Trump’s leadership, American companies are coming home, investing in our workers, and securing a stronger, brighter future for generations to come.

Just as President Trump’s America First agenda is revitalizing our economy and securing our border, the latest surge in oil prices underscores the critical importance of American energy independence. Oil prices hit multi-week highs this week, driven largely by optimism surrounding the latest round of U.S.-China trade talks in London. While the mainstream media typically frames such developments as signs of global progress, conservative-minded Americans recognize this as yet another urgent reminder of why we must prioritize domestic energy production and end our dependence on foreign adversaries.

According to a recent report by Reuters, Brent crude futures rose by nearly one percent to settle at $67.04 a barrel—the highest level since late April. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude also climbed, hitting $65.29, its highest mark since early April. Analysts attribute this jump to a weaker U.S. dollar, along with investor hopes that a U.S.-China trade deal could bolster global economic growth and consequently increase demand for oil.

But let’s be clear: this reliance on foreign deals and global markets leaves America vulnerable. As energy advisory firm Ritterbusch and Associates noted: “Much of this advance appears technically driven and such rallies can easily subside without new bullish headlines.” Translation: our energy stability is at the mercy of foreign negotiations and volatile overseas markets. This is unacceptable. President Trump has consistently emphasized that America must control its own destiny—especially when it comes to energy.

These latest price hikes come amid troubling economic signals from China. Chinese export growth slowed significantly in May, while factory gate deflation worsened, hitting a two-year low. China’s crude oil imports also dropped to their lowest daily rate in four months, largely due to state-owned and independent refiners undergoing maintenance. These indicators should serve as a loud and clear warning: depending on China and other adversarial nations to stabilize our energy market is nothing short of a strategic risk.

President Trump’s America First policies, including the revival of domestic manufacturing, trade reform, and energy independence, have already put our nation back on the path to self-sufficiency. Under his leadership, we’ve seen unprecedented deregulation of our energy sector, allowing American energy producers to thrive, create jobs, and deliver affordable fuel to working families. This latest development in oil prices only reinforces the need to continue on this path.

Moreover, consider the recent behavior of OPEC and its allies, which have consistently manipulated global oil output to influence prices. According to Reuters, OPEC’s oil production in May rose less than expected, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE making smaller increases than allowed. Such manipulations highlight the risk of depending on foreign cartels for our energy supply. American energy independence isn’t merely economic policy—it’s a matter of national security.

As conservatives, we must remember the hard lessons of the past, when dependence on foreign oil enriched oppressive regimes, destabilized our economy, and compromised our national security. Under President Trump’s vision of energy dominance, America can—and must—become the world’s leading energy producer. The United States possesses abundant natural resources, innovative technology, and a skilled workforce. There’s no reason we should ever again be held hostage by foreign producers.

The recent rise in oil prices amid U.S.-China trade talks demonstrates precisely why America needs to double down on energy independence. We cannot afford to be dependent on trade deals with adversarial nations or foreign cartels manipulating the market to their benefit. President Trump’s America First energy policies have already strengthened our economy, reduced our vulnerability, and enhanced our national security. Now more than ever, we must continue to unleash American energy potential, ensuring a prosperous and secure future for generations to come.

America is winning again—and President Trump’s bold tariffs are proving their worth. Even the Democrat-controlled Congressional Budget Office (CBO) now admits Trump’s tariffs will reduce the deficit over the next decade. This admission, buried deep in bureaucratic language, confirms what we conservatives have argued all along: tariffs aren’t just good politics; they’re smart economics.

Here’s the reality: tariffs work in two powerful ways. First, they directly raise revenue for the government—effectively taxing foreign companies that flood our markets with cheap, subsidized goods. Second, and even more importantly, tariffs incentivize American companies to bring production back home. Reshoring our factories and rebuilding our industrial base means more jobs, stronger communities, and a brighter future for every American.

But there’s a catch: tariffs demand patience. This isn’t a quick fix, and no one promised instant gratification. Instead, Trump’s tariffs offer America what psychologists once called the “marshmallow test”—a choice between immediate pleasure and longer-term prosperity.

In the 1960s, Stanford psychologist Walter Mischel presented children with a simple choice: eat one marshmallow immediately, or wait and get two marshmallows later. Decades of research found that kids who delayed gratification went on to greater success. America now faces our national marshmallow test. Will we endure some short-term discomfort—perhaps slightly higher prices on certain consumer goods—to secure long-term national prosperity?

The evidence shows that patience pays off. History is clear: tariffs built America. From the founding of our nation through the early 20th century, protective tariffs were the norm, not the exception. They shielded emerging American industries from foreign competition, allowing our economy to grow at record speeds. Industrial output skyrocketed. Consumption expanded. America flourished because we produced what we consumed.

Yet, since the disastrous embrace of so-called “free trade” beginning in the 1970s, America has suffered. Our factories vanished overseas, replaced by rusting shells in once-thriving industrial towns. Communities that powered our nation fell into decline. In 2024 alone, America ran a staggering $918 billion trade deficit. That isn’t just a number—it’s nearly a trillion dollars’ worth of factories, jobs, and wealth that we’ve handed over to foreign nations, especially communist China.

President Trump understands this. He sees that the trade deficit represents untapped industrial potential here at home. Millions of Americans remain unemployed or stuck in low-paying jobs. Billions of dollars in productive capital sit idle. The infrastructure exists. The workers exist. What’s missing is the incentive—the push—to bring that production back to American soil. Trump’s tariffs provide exactly that push.

As domestic production ramps up, America benefits from economies of scale. Costs decline, efficiency increases, and foreign goods become less competitive. China’s cheap products aren’t cheap because they’re inherently superior, but because America hasn’t yet ramped up its own production. As we build, the cost gap narrows. Soon, “Made in America” won’t just be a patriotic slogan—it’ll be a simple economic reality.

But here’s the hard truth: tariffs aren’t magic. They demand resolve, courage, and vision. They require Americans to withstand a little short-term discomfort for massive long-term gains. And they require leadership willing to stay the course.

Thankfully, President Trump has shown precisely that leadership. He hasn’t flinched in the face of pressure from globalists and special interests. He knows the stakes involved. Tariffs aren’t just economic policy—they’re a moral imperative. It’s about rebuilding the country we inherited, honoring those who came before us, and leaving a prosperous nation to our children and grandchildren.

The CBO has finally acknowledged Trump’s tariffs will reduce our deficit. Now comes the real test—the marshmallow test. Do we have the discipline to see this through? Are Americans willing to endure today for a brighter tomorrow?

The answer must be yes. Because America doesn’t belong solely to us—it belongs to every generation yet unborn. Trump’s tariffs have put us on the path to prosperity. It’s our duty to stay the course.