Slate Money Let’s TACO ‘Bout It
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Jun 7, 2025 The discussion kicks off with inflation concerns under Trump's administration, spotlighting the unreliable data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The hosts then dive into a finance term that made headlines, igniting Trump's ire. They tackle the intriguing question of whether Gen Z really hates reading, shaping a conversation around changing literary habits and the influence of social media. Closing with a look at AI's cultural cuteness and the growing trend of 'buy now, pay later,' the talk blends economic insights with a dash of humor.
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Inflation Vibes Are Not Strong
- Inflation currently remains low despite tariff increases not yet fully impacting prices.
- Prices for critical items like eggs and gasoline are stable, reducing public anger about inflation.
Rare Earths Aren't Rare But Costly
- Rare earth minerals are abundant but costly to mine responsibly outside China.
- Environmental regulations make U.S. mining more expensive, causing dependence on cheaper Chinese sources.
BLS Staff Cuts Hurt Data Accuracy
- Reduced staffing and budget cuts at BLS have impaired accurate inflation data collection.
- Lack of resources prevents modernization, risking lower quality economic statistics long-term.
