Whether your focus is on tariffs, the independence of the Federal Reserve or the reconciliation law and its tax and debt implications, the first six months of the second Trump Administration will have far-reaching effects on the American economy.  Perhaps, it’s most important to watch the bond market reaction to the falling value of the dollar in relation to other currencies to forecast whether America’s dominance as the world’s economic engine is stalling.  Given all that has transpired since his last visit, we decided to invite economist Michael Hicks back to put this whirlwind of activity in focus–to the extent anyone call follow the many mixed economic signals coming from this White House.  Hicks is the George and Frances Ball Distinguished Professor of Economics and Director of the Center for Business and Economic Research at Ball State University in Indiana.  His critiques are sharp and insightful, as you will hear on this podcast.