U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images.
Editor’s Note: This article shares economist Glenn Hubbard’s view on how to strengthen the U.S. economy. While the Trump administration has focused on tariffs and trade, Hubbard argues that long-term success also depends on saving more as a country and reducing government spending. We’re presenting his perspective to add to the ongoing discussion about America’s economic future.
By Glenn Hubbard, Project Syndicate | April 3, 2025
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s defense of President Donald Trump’s trade tariffs as a step toward “rebalancing” the US economy misses the point. While some economies, like China and Germany, need to increase domestic spending, the US needs to increase national saving.
The measure, announced by the Canadian government on Friday, will remain in effect for up to 200 days while authorities investigate whether rising imports have caused harm to Canadian producers.
The argument is that a decline in the price level, which is labeled deflation, weakens consumer and business expenditure, thereby paralyzing economic activity.
The disagreement centers on a request from District Judge Leonie Brinkema, who sought formal statements from Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirming that the proposed $1.776 billion fund is no longer moving forward.
In a video statement released on social media, Meloni rejected reports that she had pleaded for a photograph or special attention from Trump during the summit in Évian-les-Bains, France.
The ceremony, hosted by former President Barack Obama, was attended by several former presidents and first ladies, including Joe Biden and Jill Biden, as well as Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.
The firms collectively own about one-quarter of the U.S. stock market and are the largest single shareholder in about 90% of S&P 500 companies, according to a Bull Moose Project report.