Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• EPA amends air quality designation for Detroit area to nonattainment following Sixth Circuit Court vacatur — The Environmental Protection Agency issued a final rule amending 40 CFR 81.323 to redesignate the Detroit, Michigan area (seven counties) from attainment to nonattainment status for the 2015 ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards with a Moderate classification. This technical amendment implements a December 5, 2025 decision by the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, which vacated EPA's May 2023 redesignation to attainment, finding the agency had misinterpreted Clean Air Act section 107(d)(3)(E)(v) regarding state compliance prerequisites.
• EPA approves California air quality rules regulating volatile organic compound emissions from oil and gas production facilities — The Environmental Protection Agency finalized approval of six revised state implementation plan rules from three California air districts—San Joaquin Valley, Ventura County, and South Coast—that regulate volatile organic compound emissions from crude oil and natural gas production facilities. The rules, submitted between October 2023 and February 2024, replace previously approved versions and take effect June 29, 2026. The EPA determined the rules comply with Clean Air Act requirements and will strengthen California's air quality plan.
• EPA approves District of Columbia negative declarations for air quality plans — The Environmental Protection Agency issued a final rule approving negative declarations submitted by the District of Columbia Department of Energy and Environment certifying that no existing large municipal waste combustors, crude oil and natural gas facilities, or electric utility generating units subject to Clean Air Act sections 111(d) and 129 exist within DC's jurisdiction. The approval codifies these declarations in 40 CFR Part 62, Subpart J, and becomes effective June 29, 2026. The EPA received one public comment challenging the procedural adequacy of the rulemaking, which the agency rejected.
• EPA approves New York source-specific air quality plan for Calpine JFK Energy Center boilers — The Environmental Protection Agency finalized approval of New York State's source-specific State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision for the Calpine JFK Energy Center at Kennedy International Airport. The EPA determined that nitrogen oxide (NOx) emission limits of 0.15 lb/MMBtu for natural gas and 0.25 lb/MMBtu for distillate oil, with a maximum of 24 tons per year on a rolling 12-month basis, satisfy Reasonably Available Control Technology (RACT) requirements under the Clean Air Act. The rule incorporates permit conditions 56, 57, and 58 into the federally enforceable SIP and becomes effective June 29, 2026.
• EPA approves New York State Implementation Plan revision for Athens Generating Plant nitrogen oxide emissions controls — The Environmental Protection Agency issued a final rule approving New York State's Source-Specific State Implementation Plan revision for the Athens Generating Plant in Athens, New York. The approval establishes Reasonably Available Control Technology (RACT) emission limits for nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from three combined-cycle combustion turbines at the facility. The EPA incorporated five permit conditions into the State Implementation Plan, requiring the facility to maintain existing emission controls (Selective Catalytic Reduction and Dry Low-NOx burners) and comply with specific NOx emission limits averaged over three-hour blocks, monitored continuously and reported semi-annually. The rule becomes effective June 29, 2026.
• EPA approves Pennsylvania SIP revision removing RACT condition from Philadelphia Gas Works Richmond Plant — The Environmental Protection Agency approved a state implementation plan revision submitted by Pennsylvania that removes a condition from the Reasonably Available Control Technology (RACT) Plan Approval for the Philadelphia Gas Works Richmond Plant. The removed condition, which required timing adjustment of three Caterpillar engines, was determined to have been mistakenly included and would damage the engines if implemented. The revision results in no change to emission allowances, as the engines remain subject to presumptive RACT requirements to operate in accordance with manufacturer specifications. The final rule becomes effective June 29, 2026.
• EPA approves South Carolina state plan for commercial and industrial solid waste incineration emissions control — The Environmental Protection Agency finalized approval of South Carolina's state plan for implementing and enforcing emissions guidelines applicable to existing Commercial and Industrial Solid Waste Incineration (CISWI) units. The plan, submitted December 19, 2014, and supplemented through November 5, 2019, establishes emission limits, monitoring, operating, recordkeeping, and reporting requirements for affected CISWI units constructed on or before June 4, 2010, or modified/reconstructed between June 4, 2010, and August 7, 2013. The approval incorporates South Carolina Code of Regulations chapter 61-62.60, Subpart DDDD by reference and becomes federally enforceable as of June 29, 2026.
• EPA approves Virginia air plan revision repealing petroleum refinery and appliance coating emission standards — The Environmental Protection Agency issued a final rule approving Virginia's State Implementation Plan (SIP) Revision B23, which repeals two existing stationary source emission standards from Virginia's air quality regulations: Article 11 (Emission Standards for Petroleum Refinery Operations) and Article 26 (Emissions Standards for Large Appliance Coating Application Systems). The EPA determined that repeal is appropriate because no petroleum refineries or large appliance coating facilities remain in Virginia. The rule becomes effective June 29, 2026. The EPA rejected a commenter's request for additional technical analysis and dismissed environmental justice concerns by citing rescinded executive orders on environmental justice.
• EPA determines Baltimore ozone nonattainment area attained 2015 standard; suspends planning requirements — The Environmental Protection Agency issued a final rule determining that the Baltimore, Maryland nonattainment area has attained the 2015 ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard based on 2022–2024 ambient air quality monitoring data, excluding data impacted by exceptional wildfire events. As a result, the EPA is suspending requirements for Maryland to submit attainment demonstrations, reasonably available control measures, reasonable further progress plans, contingency measures, and related state implementation plans for as long as the area continues to meet the standard.
• EPA partially approves, partially disapproves Hawaii's regional haze implementation plan; rejects enforceable power-plant closures lacking utility consent due to takings concerns. — The Environmental Protection Agency issued a final rule partially approving and partially disapproving Hawaii's Regional Haze State Implementation Plan for the second implementation period, submitted August 2, 2024. The EPA approved baseline visibility calculations, progress metrics, and monitoring requirements but disapproved the long-term strategy requiring enforceable shutdown of six boiler units at generating stations on Hawaii and Maui islands. The disapproval rests on findings that Hawaiian Electric Company withdrew consent for these closures after initial submission, citing grid reliability risks; the EPA determined that approving unconsented closures without compensation could violate the Fifth Amendment Takings Clause and lacks necessary assurances required by Clean Air Act section 110(a)(2)(E)(i). The rule becomes effective June 29, 2026.
• EPA updates Idaho State Implementation Plan materials incorporated by reference and corrects typographical error — The Environmental Protection Agency finalized an administrative update to materials incorporated by reference into Idaho's State Implementation Plan under 40 CFR Part 52. The update reflects SIP materials submitted and approved by EPA since June 2025, affecting air pollution control regulations, permits, and compliance requirements. EPA also corrected a typographical error in a prior approval for P4 Production LLC facility in Soda Springs, changing an incorrect permit condition citation from "13.33" to "13.23."

Supporting reports

• EPA establishes pesticide tolerance exemptions for three plant-incorporated protectant proteins — The Environmental Protection Agency finalized a rule establishing exemptions from pesticide tolerance requirements for three plant-incorporated protectant (PIP) proteins: Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1B.34.1, Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1B.61.1, and Adiantum trapeziforme var. braziliense IPD083Cb. Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc. petitioned for these exemptions under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. EPA determined the proteins are non-toxic and non-allergenic to mammals, pose negligible risk to non-target organisms, and present no discernible effects to marine fauna. The exemptions apply to all food and feed commodities when used as PIPs in accordance with label directions and good agricultural practices.
• EPA establishes propylene oxide pesticide tolerances on dried spices and seeds — The Environmental Protection Agency finalized a rule establishing maximum permissible residue levels (tolerances) for propylene oxide (PPO), a fungicide, at 300 parts per million on five dried commodities: ginger, bell pepper, non-bell pepper, sesame seed, and turmeric roots. The action responds to a petition by ABERCO, Inc. (Balchem Company) and follows EPA's safety assessment concluding no reasonable harm to the general population or infants and children from aggregate exposure. The rule is effective immediately; objections and hearing requests are due by July 28, 2026.
• EPA finalizes significant new use rules for 35 chemical substances under TSCA — The Environmental Protection Agency issued final Significant New Use Rules (SNURs) under the Toxic Substances Control Act for 35 chemical substances previously subject to premanufacture notices and EPA orders. The SNURs require manufacturers and processors to notify EPA at least 90 days before commencing manufacture or processing of these substances for designated significant new uses. The rules establish workplace protection, hazard communication, and disposal requirements, with an effective date of July 28, 2026. Estimated costs for SNUN submissions range from $14,500 for small businesses to $45,000 for large businesses.

Supporting reports

• Chevron and Exxon warned of dangerously low oil inventories — Officials from Chevron and Exxon warned that oil inventories have reached dangerously low levels, raising concerns about dramatic price spikes. The warning came amid Trump's ongoing military conflict with Iran, which has disrupted global oil supplies and contributed to rising prices affecting American consumers. The low inventory levels pose a risk of further economic disruption and inflation.

Supporting reports

• FDA announces final guidance on bioequivalence studies for abbreviated new drug applications — The Food and Drug Administration published final guidance for industry on "Bioequivalence Studies With Pharmacokinetic Endpoints for Drugs Submitted Under an ANDA." The guidance provides recommendations to applicants submitting abbreviated new drug applications, amendments, and supplements, describing how to meet bioequivalence requirements under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and FDA regulations. The final guidance incorporates updates aligned with concurrent guidance on immediate-release solid oral dosage forms, clarifications on study population and design, and removal of appendices on statistical analysis now incorporated into separate guidance. This finalizes the draft guidance issued August 23, 2021.
• FDA announces final guidance on human factors information in medical device marketing submissions — The Food and Drug Administration published final guidance titled "Content of Human Factors Information in Medical Device Marketing Submissions" to establish a risk-based framework for manufacturers and FDA staff regarding human factors data required in premarket submissions to the Center for Devices and Radiological Health. The guidance complements existing FDA human factors guidance and provides manufacturers a minimum of 60 days to operationalize policies before full compliance is expected for submissions received after August 1, 2026. The document replaces a prior draft guidance issued in December 2022.
• FDA Issues Final Guidance on Bioequivalence Statistical Approaches — The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the availability of final guidance titled "Statistical Approaches to Establishing Bioequivalence." This guidance provides recommendations for sponsors and applicants using equivalence criteria in bioequivalence studies for investigational new drug applications, new drug applications, and abbreviated new drug applications. It finalizes and replaces previous guidance, incorporating updates on statistical analysis methods and clarifying information on estimands and intercurrent events.

Supporting reports

• National park entrance fees diverted to Trump D.C. renovation projects — The New York Times reported that the Trump administration has diverted at least $67 million in entrance fees paid by the American people to national parks to fund Trump's renovation projects in Washington, D.C. The diverted funds include a multi-million dollar contract to repaint the Reflecting Pool, awarded to a MAGA-connected contractor. The diversion represents a misappropriation of public funds collected for park maintenance and operations.
• National Park Service diverts $67 million in entrance fees for DC beautification — The National Park Service is using at least $67 million in park entrance fees to fund beautification projects in Washington, D.C., ahead of the nation's 250th anniversary celebration. The projects were directed by Trump and include a $7 million paint job on the Reflecting Pool. The Interior Department is spending at least $95 million in total taxpayer funds on DC beautification projects, all initiated between December 2025 and April 2026. The funds come from entrance fees that would normally support park operations and maintenance nationwide.

Supporting reports

• First-quarter GDP revised downward to 1.6% — The U.S. first-quarter 2026 GDP was revised downward from an initial reading of 2% to 1.6%, falling below the expected range. The revision signals economic slowdown and weaker-than-anticipated growth in the opening months of the year.

Supporting reports

• PCE inflation reaches three-year high — The Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) inflation index, the Federal Reserve's preferred inflation measure, came in at 3.8% for April 2026, the highest level since May 2023. Core PCE inflation reached 3.3%, the highest since October 2023. The Fed's target inflation rate is approximately 2%, meaning current inflation is nearly double the target. Half of all items in the Consumer Price Index are growing at 3% or higher, indicating broad-based inflation rather than isolated price pressures.
• PCE inflation rises to 3.8%, highest in three years — Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) inflation in the U.S. jumped to 3.8% in April 2026, the highest level in three years. Core PCE, excluding food and energy, rose to 3.3%, the highest since fall 2023. Economist Heather Long noted that 50% of items in the Consumer Price Index are growing at 3% or higher, indicating a broad-based inflation problem beyond energy shocks. Personal incomes fell in April after tax adjustment, and the savings rate plummeted to 2.6%, one of the lowest readings in 20 years outside the 2022 "revenge spend" period.

Supporting reports

• Pentagon loan of $620 million pushed through for Trump Jr.-linked company — ProPublica reported that a top White House aide intervened to expedite a $620 million Pentagon loan for a small North Carolina startup linked to Donald Trump Jr. A person involved in the transaction told ProPublica: "The call came from the White House: We have to get this done." The company's valuation jumped from approximately $200 million to billions following the White House intervention, indicating the loan was granted on terms favorable to Trump family interests rather than merit-based criteria.
• Pentagon awarded $620 million loan to Trump Jr.-linked startup via White House request — ProPublica reported that the Pentagon awarded a $620 million loan to Vulcan Elements, a North Carolina startup linked to Donald Trump Jr., following a direct request from Peter Navarro, a White House adviser and friend of Trump Jr. The Pentagon and the company initially denied any political favoritism, with Trump Jr.'s spokesperson claiming he was not involved. However, interviews and DOD records show Navarro initiated the loan request, and Vulcan's was the only deal among dozens of Pentagon funding considerations that originated from a top presidential aide. Pentagon staff worked at an unusually rapid pace with minimal sleep to complete the loan in a matter of weeks after receiving the White House directive.
• Trump trade advisor pressures Pentagon to loan $620 million to company with Trump Jr. stake — Trump's trade advisor Peter Navarro personally pressured the Pentagon to loan $620 million to Vulcan Elements, a North Carolina startup in which Donald Trump Jr. holds a financial stake. The Pentagon invested $620 million in Vulcan, a rare-earth magnet company, and another $80 million in its partner ReElement. The Commerce Department provided $50 million in additional incentives, and the government took a $50 million stake in Vulcan. When Trump Jr.'s venture capital firm 1789 Capital invested in August 2025, Vulcan was valued at approximately $200 million; after government investments, the valuation jumped to around $2 billion.
• Pentagon Approves $620 Million Loan to Trump Jr. Company at White House Direction — ProPublica reported that a $620 million loan approved by the Pentagon to a company linked to Donald Trump Jr. was initiated by White House adviser Peter Navarro, with a Pentagon source stating, "The call came from the White House: We have to get this done." The loan was approved last year and represents a direct intervention by the White House in Pentagon contracting decisions.

Supporting reports

• OMB proposes rule placing federal research grants under political appointee control — On May 29, 2026, OMB Director Russ Vought proposed a rule that would place all federal research and discretionary grants under the control of political appointees rather than scientific experts. The rule would prohibit grants that "promote anti-American values" and require awards to "demonstrably advance the president's policy priorities." Stand Up for Science estimates nearly half of approximately 10,000 NIH-funded clinical trials could be discontinued, including over 1,000 cancer trials, pediatric studies, and trials addressing veterans' health, suicide, heart disease, and diabetes. The public comment period closes July 13, 2026.
• Trump administration proposed merit-based federal research grant system be replaced with political appointee approval — On May 29, 2026, the Trump administration proposed dramatic changes to federal research grant awards. Rather than continuing the merit-based system established through rigorous peer review, grants would be awarded based on approval by political appointees. The Office of Management and Budget, directed by Christian nationalist Russell Vought, would control grant allocation. The proposal limits foreign collaboration and allows the OMB to revoke grants deemed to fail "program goals, Federal agency priorities, or the national interest."
• Russell Vought proposes political control over research grants — Russell Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget and co-author of Project 2025, proposed on May 28 that political appointees in his office should have final say over research grants, including those for the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, and other governmental science agencies. The proposal aims to root out what it characterizes as a "woke" policy agenda and would also require approval by political appointees for international research collaboration.

Supporting reports

• EPA Administrator denies Harris County petition to object to ExxonMobil Baytown operating permit — The EPA Administrator issued a final order on May 27, 2026, denying a petition filed by the Harris County Attorney's Office on November 12, 2025. The petition sought EPA objection to Clean Air Act Title V operating permit No. O1553, issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to ExxonMobil Corporation for its Baytown Olefins Plant in Harris County, Texas. The denial was published in the Federal Register on June 22, 2026. Petitioners may seek judicial review in the U.S. Court of Appeals by August 21, 2026.

Supporting reports

• Modernizing the Arsenal of Freedom: DoW Awards $9.7B Microsoft Enterprise Agreement to Power Global Mission Readiness — The Department of War published a release on 2026-05-28 through its releases channel. The department's own account of it reads: "The Department of War awarded a Core Enterprise Technology Agreement to Dell Federal Systems for Microsoft services to strengthen the department's digital infrastructure and accelerate modernization efforts across the joint force."
• Trump purchased Dell stock, promoted company, then Pentagon awarded $9.7 billion contract — Trump purchased between $1 million and $5 million in Dell Technologies stock on February 10, 2026. Over the following months, he repeatedly promoted Dell products in public speeches and on social media (February 27, March 9, April 16, May 8). On May 27, the Pentagon announced a five-year, $9.7 billion contract with Dell to provide software to the U.S. military. The contract has propelled Dell stock to an all-time high, directly enriching Trump's holdings.
• Pentagon $9.7 Billion Dell Contract Bolsters Trump's Personal Portfolio — The New York Times reported that the Pentagon's announcement of a $9.7 billion contract with Dell is likely to bolster Trump's personal investment portfolio, after the president purchased more than $1 million worth of Dell stock earlier in 2026. The timing and scale of the contract raise questions about conflicts of interest in federal procurement.

Supporting reports

• Trump purchased Dell stock, promoted company, then Pentagon awarded $9.7 billion contract — Trump purchased between $1 million and $5 million in Dell Technologies stock on February 10, 2026. Over the following months, he repeatedly promoted Dell products in public speeches and on social media (February 27, March 9, April 16, May 8). On May 27, the Pentagon announced a five-year, $9.7 billion contract with Dell to provide software to the U.S. military. The contract has propelled Dell stock to an all-time high, directly enriching Trump's holdings.

Supporting reports

• EPA finalizes amendments to hydrofluorocarbon use restrictions under the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act — The Environmental Protection Agency finalized a rule amending restrictions on hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) use across multiple refrigeration and air conditioning subsectors. The rule extends compliance dates for semiconductor manufacturing equipment (to January 1, 2030), establishes graduated schedules for supermarket systems and cold storage warehouses (interim limits until January 1, 2032), adjusts temperature thresholds for intermodal refrigerated transport containers, extends deadlines for laboratory equipment, removes installation deadlines for residential AC/HP equipment manufactured before January 1, 2025, and allows modest cooling capacity increases in supermarket systems. The rule becomes effective July 27, 2026.

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• FCC adopts application limits and eligibility restrictions for NCE reserved band FM translator station applications in 2026 filing window — The Federal Communications Commission adopted a final rule establishing a ten-application cap per applicant for new noncommercial educational (NCE) reserved band FM translator station construction permits in the 2026 filing window, with lower caps for LPFM applicants (four for Tribal, two for others). The rule requires applicants to be licensees or permittees of existing NCE FM, noncommercial AM, or LPFM stations and imposes a four-year holding period preventing primary station changes or transfers. The restrictions aim to deter speculative filings, expedite processing, and preserve spectrum for secondary services.

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• FDA announces proposed information collection revision for human drug compounding oversight under sections 503A and 503B — The Food and Drug Administration published a notice soliciting public comment on a proposed revision to its information collection activities related to human drug compounding. The revision expands the collection to include reporting activities from a cross-sector stakeholder group comprising up to 30 entities including outsourcing facilities, hospitals, health systems, and suppliers. The FDA estimates an increase of 540 hours and 270 annual responses attributable to stakeholder group meeting preparation, participation, and follow-up activities. Comments are due by July 27, 2026.

Supporting reports

• Consumer confidence survey showed two-thirds of Americans cutting back on spending — Economist Heather Long reported on the May Consumer Confidence survey, noting that two-thirds of American consumers say they are cutting back on spending as prices rise due to the war in Iran. Long highlighted that many Americans report buying fewer items now.

Supporting reports

• FDA sends serious enforcement letter to pharmaceutical company; CEO donates $1 million to Trump super PAC days later — On May 26, the FDA sent a letter to pharmaceutical company QOL Medical containing serious allegations that could threaten the company's existence. Days later, QOL Medical CEO Frederick Cooper donated $1 million to MAGA Inc., Trump's super PAC. The timing and sequence raise questions about whether the donation was made in response to the regulatory threat or as an attempt to influence the agency's enforcement action.
• FDA sends warning letter to QOL Medical for false drug advertising — On May 26, 2026, the FDA sent a warning letter to QOL Medical accusing the pharmaceutical company of using "false or misleading" advertising to promote Sucraid, a drug for treating congenital sucrase-isomaltase deficiency (CSID). The FDA alleged that QOL Medical's marketing materials encouraged doctors to prescribe Sucraid for patients with IBS-like symptoms (gas, bloating, diarrhea, nausea), despite the drug being unable to treat IBS or its symptoms. The FDA determined QOL Medical violated the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act's prohibition on drug misbranding. The letter required QOL Medical to respond within 15 working days.

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• FDA Commissioner Marty Makary resigns over flavored vape reversal — FDA Commissioner Marty Makary reportedly resigned in protest after Trump directed him to reverse the FDA's prohibition on fruit-flavored vapes. The reversal occurred within a week of Trump's meeting with Reynolds American executives and lobbyist Brian Ballard, who had complained about the ban. The fruit-flavored vape ban had been implemented to protect children from the appeal of flavored nicotine products.

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• Trump administration approves higher-ethanol fuel sales amid Iran war gas price crisis — Following sharp gas price increases triggered by U.S. military action against Iran and closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the Trump administration approved the sale of fuel with higher ethanol content as a cost-mitigation measure. The move aims to provide cheaper alternatives but risks increasing smog. Separately, the president floated suspending the federal gas tax. Truck drivers and other consumers report severe financial strain from fuel costs exceeding $5 per gallon for diesel.
• U.S. military action against Iran closes Strait of Hormuz, triggering global energy crisis — The United States, in coordination with Israel, launched military attacks on Iran, resulting in the closure of the Strait of Hormuz—a critical chokepoint through which approximately 20% of the world's oil supply travels. The action precipitated a global energy crisis, with gasoline prices rising to four-year highs and diesel reaching $5.72 per gallon at major truck stops. Analysts predict prices could reach record levels if the strait remains closed.

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• FDA issues guidance opening door to flavored vape sales after tobacco donation — The Trump Food and Drug Administration issued new guidance opening the door to the sale of flavored vapes after a tobacco company donated $5 million to the Trump-backed super PAC MAGA Inc. Two days after the donation, Trump had lunch with tobacco industry representatives, during which he complained to administration officials about FDA e-cigarette regulations. The new guidance was issued days later.

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• Michael Caputo files first claim under Anti-Weaponization Fund — Michael Caputo, a longtime Trump ally and former administration official, filed the first known claim under the Anti-Weaponization Fund, seeking $2.7 million and claiming the "machinery of government was clearly politically weaponized against my family." The claim demonstrates the fund's immediate use to compensate Trump associates.

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• Democrats Propose Tax Cuts for Upper Middle Class — The Democratic Party has proposed tax cuts for the upper middle class, despite the ongoing concerns about the national debt and rising interest costs. This proposal is seen as fiscally risky given the current economic climate, where government borrowing is increasing to cover interest payments on existing debt.

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• White House economic advisor Kevin Hassett dismissed consumer spending concerns — White House economic advisor Kevin Hassett stated on Fox News that despite higher gas prices, consumers remain optimistic because they are spending more money on everything, not just gas. When asked about grocery prices, Hassett blamed energy-efficient refrigerator regulations. He reiterated expectations of GDP growth exceeding 6% once the Iran conflict concludes, a forecast he has repeated monthly for 17 months.
• Kevin Hassett claims Iran war has not hurt the economy — White House economic advisor Kevin Hassett appeared on television claiming that Trump's Iran war has not hurt the economy at all. When presented with consumer sentiment data that has cratered to its lowest levels ever, Hassett suggested that consumer sentiment should no longer be called "consumer sentiment" but rather "political sentiment," characterizing it as a "political variable" rather than an economic indicator. He argued that when Americans report feeling terrible about the economy, they are expressing partisanship rather than genuine economic concern.