A Deep Dive Into Economic Turmoil, Trade Deals, and Government Waste
In this week’s episode of The Financial Guys Podcast, Glenn Wiggle, Mike Sperrazza, and Mike Lomas break down the rollercoaster that is America’s economic and political landscape. From volatile market reactions to tariffs and the unrelenting tax burden on small businesses to the shocking fraud and dysfunction in government spending, the hosts ask a fundamental question: Where’s the accountability?
Let’s take a look at the top themes.
Tariffs: A Strategy Without a Clear Goal?
With markets swinging wildly, the hosts address the confusing and inconsistent messaging coming from Washington about tariffs.
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Are tariffs a way to fund the government, like a national sales tax?
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Or are they being used to negotiate trade deals down to zero?
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Why hasn’t there been more discussion about reducing income taxes if tariff revenue is increasing?
“Pick a policy and stick with it. Is the goal to eliminate income taxes, or to coerce better trade behavior from China, Vietnam, and Canada? Either way, tell the American people what dessert looks like after they eat the vegetables.”
Small Business Taxation: The Silent Killer of Growth
The conversation quickly turned to the crippling tax burden on small business owners, many of whom pay 45-50% in combined federal, state, and local taxes. Meanwhile, billionaires enjoy capital gains rates of around 15%.
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Small manufacturers and family-owned businesses are penalized for success.
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There’s no incentive for producers to expand, hire, or invest.
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“No tax on tips” may help workers, but entrepreneurs are drowning in tax bills.
“The valet isn’t starting a business. But the furniture store owner paying 50% in taxes could be if we’d just stop punishing success.”
Tariff-Driven Market Volatility: Uncertainty Hurts Everyone
From rumors of 90-day tariff suspensions to threats of 100% increases, the hosts criticize the whiplash-inducing policy shifts.
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Markets rally and crash on rumors, not strategy.
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Trump’s negotiation tactics work—but without a clear plan, it’s good news/bad news chaos.
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If tariffs increase without income tax relief, it’s just another massive tax hike on Americans.
“I’ll pay 20% more for a Toyota—if I’m not also paying 45% in income tax. Without tax reform, it’s just more tax piled on tax.”
Global Trade Realignment: Allies or Adversaries?
The U.S. may need to rethink who its friends really are.
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The UK and France are embracing policies that undermine free speech and political fairness.
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Europe gives Ukraine loans, while the U.S. gives handouts.
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Trump’s efforts to realign global trade deals may finally bring accountability—and relief.
“Just because we’ve been allies with a country for 100 years doesn’t mean we should be forever—especially if they don’t share our values anymore.”
Pam Bondi, The Epstein List & Missing Justice
The hosts express frustration with the lack of legal follow-through on campaign promises to expose corruption:
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Where’s the Epstein list?
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Why hasn’t Letitia James been investigated for alleged mortgage fraud?
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Why do politicians grow mysteriously wealthy on modest public salaries?
🎧 Listen to the full episode for an unfiltered breakdown of the week’s biggest political and economic stories. Subscribe now, leave a comment, and download the Financial Guys Media app to access roundtables, interviews, and more.