Shutdown Showdown: Why Fiscal Discipline Can’t Wait | This Week's Economy Ep. 132

Washington is once again at a standstill. The latest federal shutdown is more than a partisan clash—it’s a reminder of how badly America needs real fiscal discipline. Endless spending battles, continuing resolutions, and bloated budgets have left taxpayers footing the bill for a government that refuses to live within its means. President Trump has warned of “irreversible” changes to the federal workforce during this shutdown, but the deeper problem isn’t staffing levels—it’s a budgeting process that’s broken at its core. Sound economics goes beyond fiscal responsibility. Free trade, open markets, and competition—not tariffs, subsidies, or mandates—are what drive prosperity. From tariffs on movies and medicine to micromanagement of banking and biotech, Washington has drifted far from the principles that once made America the world’s economic leader. It’s time to rein in unnecessary spending, reject protectionism, and return to policies that let people prosper! In this episode of This Week’s Economy, I’ll break down the latest news—from the shutdown to new Trump administration tariffs—and share solutions that can move us forward.  In today’s episode of This Week’s Economy, join me for Econ 101 as we explore whether markets ever truly fail.  You can catch the full episode on YouTube, Apple Podcast, or Spotify. Visit: VanceGinn.com Subscribe: VanceGinn.Substack.com