Plymouth Institute for Free Enterprise

Gen Z is working hard but faces economic barriers to achieving the American dream, including high housing costs, elevated interest rates, and stagnant wages. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt initially attributed Gen Z frustrations to 'laziness' but later clarified her comments were about political ideologies, not a generalization. Economists highlight a challenging economic environment for young adults, with labor participation rates near historic highs despite these challenges.

Gen Z is working hard but faces economic challenges making the American dream unattainable, with high housing costs, interest rates, and expenses outpacing wages. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt's initial criticism of Gen Z's 'laziness' sparked backlash, later clarified as referring to political ideologies, while economists highlight the tough economic environment young people entered adulthood into.

A new report challenges President Donald Trump's claim that tariffs would revive American manufacturing, stating the policy led to job losses in the sector and slowed nationwide job creation. Tariffs generated significant revenue for the U.S. government but failed to deliver the manufacturing renaissance promised by Trump.