In this episode of The Independent, Paul Johnson is joined by economist Elliott Pollack and columnist Bob Robb for a conversation about where the U.S. economy is headed — and what could derail it.

The panel breaks down Trump’s Federal Reserve appointment, the importance of Fed independence, and whether interest rate cuts are coming sooner than expected. They explore why the stock market may be overvalued, how AI is reshaping productivity and GDP, and why housing affordability may not improve anytime soon.

They also tackle the growing uncertainty caused by tariffs, the Supreme Court’s looming decision on presidential tariff authority, and how instability is impacting business confidence, investment, and job growth.

Beyond economics, the discussion expands into:

• Trump’s strained relationships with allies like Canada

• The future of global trade and middle-power alliances

• Election integrity, federal overreach, and political distractions

• The rise of the Arizona Independent Party and the legal battle challenging America’s political duopoly