What if our biggest problems aren’t economic?

Americans are unhappy, but the cause may not be economic. Economists and politicians keep trying to fix it with higher incomes, more housing, and more jobs, yet data shows millennials earn more than previous generations, and Trump's tariffs didn't bring manufacturing back.

1. Millennial anger isn't about poverty

Millennials are described as victims of the financial crisis, but data shows they earn more than previous generations. Their anger comes from disappointed expectations, not real poverty.

Left-wing policies like Medicare for All don't address the risks younger people actually faced.

2. The right's economic playbook isn't working either

Trump's tariffs didn't bring manufacturing jobs back, and deportation didn't raise employment for native-born workers. Yet his supporters stayed, suggesting they care about more than their wallets.

Research also finds voters' concern about immigration is mainly cultural, not about job competition.

3. It's a problem of vibes

Many young people care about Palestine, not the economy. Consumer sentiment is low, and people are mad about inflation even when it falls.

On Maslow's higher rungs, people want belonging and respect. These aren't sold on Amazon, and they're zero-sum—one person's status means another's loss. The 21st-century challenge may be making everyone feel high-status.