James Rogan

2 weeks ago | washingtonexaminer.com | James Rogan

The United States economy is in the early stages of a deficit doom loop caused by rapidly rising interest payments to service the federal debt, which stands today at 100% of GDP. At this level, every 1% increase in interest rates raises federal spending to service the debt by an additional 1% of GDP. Today, interest payments on the deficit are the fastest-growing part of federal spending. Servicing the debt costs the country over 3% of GDP or $1 trillion per year. This is not sustainable.

3 weeks ago | washingtonexaminer.com | James Rogan

Today, we are witnessing what happens when an adversary nation has a near monopoly position into essential raw materials. China produces over 90% of the world’s rare earth magnets. It mines and refines about 70% of the world’s rare earth minerals. It is using its economic stranglehold over these essential inputs into America’s domestic production of defense systems, vehicles, and other industrial products to extract concessions from the United States in the ongoing trade war.

3 weeks ago | washingtonexaminer.com | James Rogan

The net federal debt is about 100% of annual GDP. A high debt to GDP ratio raises interest rates. It makes the United States hostage to the emotions of international investors. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the deficit is on a trajectory to 118% of GDP by 2035 and that paying interest on the debt will increase from the current 3% of GDP to over 4% of GDP within 10 years.

3 weeks ago | washingtonexaminer.com | James Rogan

Xi Jinping has a problem. Communist China is caught in an economic doom loop. Chinese economists understand that their country must rebalance its economy by increasing domestic consumption and reducing dependency on exports. In addition, China’s economists understand that the country must stop investing in projects that generate low and often negative returns. But Xi, China’s all-powerful ruler, refuses to listen.

1 month ago | washingtonexaminer.com | James Rogan

President Donald Trump has a bad habit of undermining his own policy agenda. Trump wants sustained 3% economic growth. He wants to reduce the trade deficit. And he wants to ensure that the United States remains at the forefront of technological innovation across many domains. Trump’s attacks on Harvard University jeopardize all 3 of these goals. Attacking Harvard is poor policy, especially as the University is rapidly reforming itself.