Articles by Eleanor Stratton

VAT (Value Added Tax) is a consumption tax applied at each stage of production or distribution. Businesses collect VAT for the government, passing the cost to consumers. It applies equally to imported and domestic goods. Import tariffs are direct taxes on foreign goods entering a country. They aim...

Trump’s Tariffs on Canada and Mexico

Donald Trump’s recent announcement has sent shockwaves through North American trade relations. The former president proposed a 25% tariff on all imports from Canada and Mexico , aiming to address illegal immigration and drug trafficking. This strategy mirrors economic sanctions often used to...

Trump Oath Not on Bible

In U.S. presidential inaugurations, the practice of using a Bible during the oath of office has been a longstanding tradition since George Washington’s first inauguration in 1789. However, the Constitution focuses on the oath’s words rather than props used during its recitation. Article II,...

Donald Trump took the oath as the 47th President of the United States, marking his return to power. In his inaugural address, he outlined his vision for America’s future, pledging to introduce a new era of prosperity, governance, and global respect. Key proposals from Trump’s speech included:...

President Donald Trump's executive order aims to alter U.S. citizenship law by ending birthright citizenship. The order specifies that for a child to automatically be considered a U.S. citizen, at least one parent must be a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident. This policy targets children...

The principles laid down by the Founding Fathers continue to guide our nation. The Constitution shapes policies that balance individual liberty with national interests. As we consider recent developments, it's important to reflect on how these align with the values of our constitutional republic....

President Donald Trump’s executive order aims to reshape birthright citizenship in the United States, targeting the long-standing interpretation of the 14th Amendment. This directive focuses on children born on U.S. soil to parents who are not citizens or lawful permanent residents. Trump argues...

Franklin D. Roosevelt set the benchmark for productivity during a presidency's opening months. Elected amidst the Great Depression, FDR's first 100 days in 1933 were marked by unprecedented action. He implemented a series of bold initiatives: Declared a bank holiday to halt ruinous bank runs Took...

Make Greenland Great Again Act

The Make Greenland Great Again Act , introduced by Republican Congressman Andy Ogles, aims to authorize negotiations for acquiring Greenland. This legislation follows renewed interest from President-elect Donald Trump regarding the Danish territory. If passed, the bill would allow Trump to seek an...

Watch for Trump’s 2025 Inauguration

The inauguration of Donald Trump marks a significant moment in America’s constitutional journey. This event reflects on the enduring principles guiding the United States while considering how these ideals will shape future governance. Rooted in tradition, this occasion invites contemplation on...

Inauguration Day in American politics represents both continuity and change, signifying the peaceful transition of power while adapting to the nation's needs. The first inauguration took place on April 30, 1789, with George Washington taking the oath in New York City. The Constitution initially set...

Trump’s 2025 Day-One Agenda

In the landscape of American governance, the principles laid out by the Founding Fathers continue to guide contemporary policy discussions. As we consider various proposals and reforms, it is essential to reflect on how these align with the enduring values enshrined in our constitutional framework....

Trump Ends CBP One App

On his first day as President, Donald Trump made good on his campaign promise to overhaul border policies by shutting down the CBP One App. This digital system, introduced in 2023, had allowed nearly 1 million migrants to lawfully enter the U.S. by scheduling appointments at border ports. Trump...

On January 20, President Trump’s administration enacted significant changes at the El Paso Port of Entry, signaling a shift in border enforcement policy. Officers in riot gear stood ready, embodying the renewed focus on border security. The President had taken office prepared to address border...

The State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction allows taxpayers to subtract state and local taxes from their federally taxable income. In 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) capped SALT deductions at $10,000, affecting taxpayers in high-tax states like California, New York, and New Jersey. Former...

Income taxes have been a subject of national debate throughout American history. The Constitution initially gave Congress the authority to impose taxes, but with limitations on “direct” taxes. In the late 1800s, the Supreme Court’s decision in Pollock v. Farmers’ Loan & Trust Co. declared a...

President Biden's executive actions have extended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for immigrants from Sudan, Ukraine, El Salvador, and Venezuela, affecting hundreds of thousands who can now renew their statuses and continue residing in the U.S. with work permits. This move impacts: Approximately...

Trump’s 2025 Tax Proposal Analyzed

The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) is set to expire, and Trump aims to make the income tax rate cuts and standard deduction permanent. This decision could maintain lower tax bills for many middle-class families. If the TCJA expires by 2026, most people would face higher taxes as income brackets...

Throughout American history, the presidency has reflected broader constitutional debates and tensions. Examining these presidencies offers insight into how leadership choices can shape the nation's trajectory, particularly when they intersect with the enduring principles enshrined in the...

The Minnesota Republican Party is planning to pursue constitutional recalls against Democrats considering absence from the state legislature. At a Monday press conference, Chairman Alex Plechash declared: "Minnesotans expect one thing from their elected officials: to show up and do the job they...