Left Hook Economics
Left Hook Economics contributors focus on critical analysis of the Trump administration’s economic policies, explaining threats to our economic future, and advancing alternative policy approaches in terms that are accessible to all.
What’s Crypto Good For? Corruption, Exploitation, and Billions for Insiders
As with the subprime lending crisis, crypto appears to be more of an example of predatory inclusion than enhancing financial access.
How the Rich Got Richer
As more and more pass-through business income goes to the super-rich, the income share of the top 1% doubles.
Making America Poisoned Again
The stated rationale for jettisoning environmental protections is that they are inefficient and have “suffocated” the economy. But economic benefits must be weighed against costs, including impacts on human health.
The Disastrous Climate Impacts of Trump’s Budget Bill: How To Fight Back
Nothing less than saving the planet is at stake.
Crypto: What Is It and What Is the Fuss All About?
Cryptofinance, including cryptocurrency, is the newest hot item in the world of financial “innovation.”
Wages, Employment, and Immigration
Instead of competing with native-born workers for jobs, immigrant workers actually tend to complement native-born workers.
Better Wages and Working Conditions: The Workers Will Come
While many things taught in introductory economics courses are nonsense, it seems to be true that higher wages will attract more workers.
Medicaid Kayfabe: Fake Wrestling
The features of the bill that are likely to help ordinary people were catchy and easy to understand—reduced taxes on tips and overtime pay and a higher standard deduction for the elderly on income taxes. Yet these projected revenue losses are tiny compared to those incurred by the super rich.
Some Elements of a Progressive International Trade Policy
There are other ways to organize U.S. international trade. The neoliberal free trade of recent decades and the trade restrictions of Trumpian tariffs are not the only options.
No Matter How You Look at It, the Big Beautiful Bill is a Monstrosity
Here are three views of the bill's horrific distributional consequences.
What’s Different About Today’s Government Deficit and Debt?
As of today, the U.S. government’s current deficit and debt are indeed currently at unprecedented levels for peacetime—once we account for them appropriately.
No Tax on Tips
Even the stand-alone No Tax on Tips Act would do far too little to better the lot of low-income workers, even tipped workers.