President Donald Trump is stepping back into the White House with big plans to reshape the U.S. economy. But here’s the twist: he’s inheriting a surprisingly strong one. Unemployment sits at a low 4.1%, wages are rising faster than prices, and growth continues to defy expectations. Sounds pretty good, right? Still, his ambitious agenda is stirring up a lot of uncertainty, which could have ripple effects on everything from trade to inflation. Right out of the gate, Trump has rolled out a wave of executive actions focusing on energy, immigration, and government operations. He’s also promised to slash regulations, cut taxes, and impose hefty tariffs on foreign goods. While these moves aim to boost American industries, they’ve left many wondering how they’ll play out. For example, tariffs might protect U.S. workers, but they often lead to higher prices for consumers. And let’s not forget—other countries might retaliate with tariffs of their own. On top of that, inflation remains a concern. While it’s cooled from its peak, prices for groceries, rent, and car insurance are still much higher than before the pandemic. The typical household is spending over $1,200 more annually for the same goods and services than in 2021. Although paychecks have grown slightly more, many families are still feeling the pinch. Trump has vowed to lower prices, but economists are skeptical. As one expert put it, “The only way to do that is to get not a recession, but a depression.” The good news? The economy is on solid ground. Job growth is steady, and real wages—adjusted for inflation—are climbing. If this trend continues, more Americans could finally catch up to the higher cost of living. For now, though, the big question is whether Trump’s bold plans will help or hinder this momentum. Only time will tell.