Americans Are Paying More at the Pump as Trump’s War With Iran Expands ArticleSeptember 18, 2026 Americans Are Paying More at the Pump as Trump’s War With Iran Expands The Trump administration’s decision to start its war with Iran has been a geostrategic disaster, and an analysis of state-by-state increases of gas and diesel prices shows how the war continues to cost American families. Sep 18, 2026 Ryan Mulholland, Courtney Federico
Poverty Rates Diverged in 2025 but Will Likely Rise Following the One Big Beautiful Bill Act’s Implementation ArticleSeptember 15, 2026 Poverty Rates Diverged in 2025 but Will Likely Rise Following the One Big Beautiful Bill Act’s Implementation In 2025, the official poverty rate decreased while the supplemental poverty rate remained statistically unchanged. Yet cuts to the social safety net signal increases in poverty in the years to come. Sep 15, 2026 Kennedy Andara, Mimla Wardak
The Long Game on Energy Affordability ReportSeptember 15, 2026 The Long Game on Energy Affordability As electricity costs rise and states make important decisions about energy affordability, the most successful approaches protect consumers today while continuing to invest in energy efficiency and clean energy resources that lower bills over time. Sep 15, 2026 Frederick Bell
Wealth Inequality Has Grown During the Trump Administration ArticleSeptember 15, 2026 Wealth Inequality Has Grown During the Trump Administration The wealthiest 0.1 percent of households have gained more than 8,000 times as much wealth per household as the bottom 50 percent since the end of 2024. Sep 15, 2026 Cristina Tello-Trillo, Sara Estep, Corey Husak
2026 U.S. Job Growth Has Lagged Far Behind Optimal Levels ArticleSeptember 4, 2026 2026 U.S. Job Growth Has Lagged Far Behind Optimal Levels New calculations show the economy would need to add about 97,000 jobs per month to keep the employment-to-population ratio from declining. Sep 4, 2026 Cristina Tello-Trillo, Christian E. Weller
Weighing Priorities: What U.S. Spending on the Iran War Could Fund Instead InteractiveAugust 24, 2026 Weighing Priorities: What U.S. Spending on the Iran War Could Fund Instead The House of Representatives took the first step toward passing a bill that would provide the Trump administration $73 billion to fund its already costly war in Iran. That funding, if better allocated, could provide lifesaving and life-changing services for millions of Americans. Aug 24, 2026 Jamie Friedman, Bobby Kogan, Allison McManus
Teen Employment Remains Weak ArticleAugust 7, 2026 Teen Employment Remains Weak The share of teens employed has slid from a high of 50 percent in 1978 to just 30.7 percent today, with teen boys and teens of color facing the steepest declines. This trend may signal where the broader economy is heading while also revealing a narrowing pipeline of early work experience that has historically given young people a stronger foothold later in their careers. Aug 7, 2026 Jazmine Amoako, Sara Estep, Jiun Park
Fact Sheet: Costs of the Trump Administration’s War in Iran Fact SheetJuly 15, 2026 Fact Sheet: Costs of the Trump Administration’s War in Iran The collapse of the ceasefire will only add to the mounting defense spending, economic costs, geopolitical damage, humanitarian costs, and environmental and health harms from the conflict. Jul 15, 2026 Allison McManus, Andrew Miller, Ariana Sharghi, 2 More Dawn Le, Emily Gee
June Jobs Numbers Are Not the Boost for Workers That Was Expected ArticleJuly 2, 2026 June Jobs Numbers Are Not the Boost for Workers That Was Expected The June 2026 jobs report included strong headline numbers, but working families are still struggling to keep up amid higher inflation. Jul 2, 2026 Kennedy Andara, Aurelia Glass
The NLRB Is Throwing Out Charges Alleging Employers Engaged in Unfair Labor Practices ReportJuly 1, 2026 The NLRB Is Throwing Out Charges Alleging Employers Engaged in Unfair Labor Practices A new CAP analysis shows that, since the beginning of the second Trump administration, the NLRB is increasingly likely to dismiss charges that unions and workers file alleging that employers have committed unfair labor practices. Jul 1, 2026 Aurelia Glass
On the First Anniversary of the OBBBA, Millions of Americans Have Been Left Behind ArticleJune 25, 2026 On the First Anniversary of the OBBBA, Millions of Americans Have Been Left Behind One year after the enactment of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, millions of Americans are losing health care coverage and food assistance while the wealthiest households benefit from tax breaks. Jun 25, 2026 Amina Khalique, Natasha Murphy
The Interest Rate Penalty From Trump’s War With Iran ArticleJune 23, 2026 The Interest Rate Penalty From Trump’s War With Iran The war has pushed up interest rates by 0.5 percentage points, which will likely stay elevated even under an interim agreement. American households will spend an additional $4.6 billion, nonfinancial businesses will spend $12.7 billion, and the government will pay $30.8 billion more in borrowing costs this year as a result. Jun 23, 2026 Christian E. Weller
Capping Rental Application Fees at $5 ReportMay 28, 2026 Capping Rental Application Fees at $5 With rents stuck high, a Center for American Progress proposal to cap application fees would provide renters with immediate relief. May 28, 2026 Chad Maisel
Unions Build Wealth for All Americans ArticleMay 28, 2026 Unions Build Wealth for All Americans New CAP analysis of the Survey of Income and Program Participation highlights that households with a union member have roughly two times the wealth of households without a union member. May 28, 2026 Jazmine Amoako, David Madland, Christian E. Weller
2026 CAP IDEAS Conference Past EventMay 19, 2026 2026 CAP IDEAS Conference The Center for American Progress’ signature event, now celebrating its 15th year, where CAP convenes the big thinkers and doers on the center-left for a day of not only identifying the problems facing Americans, but also sharing solutions to improve the lives of all Americans. Online via Zoom May 19, 2026
Lowering the Cost of Living for American Families ArticleMay 19, 2026 Lowering the Cost of Living for American Families As families struggle to make ends meet amid rising costs, the Center for American Progress’ affordability agenda would save a typical family $4,133 per year across housing, health care, utility bills, and groceries. May 19, 2026 Emily Gee, Kennedy Andara
Hoja informativa: Un plan para hacer la electricidad más asequible en EE. UU. Hoja informativaMay 18, 2026 Hoja informativa: Un plan para hacer la electricidad más asequible en EE. UU. El plan de CAP ahorraría a los hogares más de $900 en costos de energía durante cuatro años, a la vez que construiría un mejor sistema energético que ahorraría a las familias estadounidenses miles de millones en los años venideros. May 18, 2026 Trevor Higgins, Shannon Baker-Branstetter, Michael Negron, 2 More Lucero Marquez, Kendra Hughes
The Trump Administration’s Tariffs and Iran War Will Cause Americans To Face Higher Prices This Summer ArticleMay 18, 2026 The Trump Administration’s Tariffs and Iran War Will Cause Americans To Face Higher Prices This Summer From travel to cookouts, costs are rising due to the Trump administration’s wide-ranging tariffs and its war of choice with Iran. May 18, 2026 Mimla Wardak, Amina Khalique
A Plan for American Electricity Affordability ReportMay 18, 2026 A Plan for American Electricity Affordability CAP’s plan is a combination of immediate relief and investment to lower electricity system costs and deliver more than $125 billion in residential consumer savings, or around $900 per household, over four years, with billions more in savings thereafter. May 18, 2026 Trevor Higgins, Shannon Baker-Branstetter, Michael Negron, 2 More Lucero Marquez, Kendra Hughes
Fact Sheet: A Plan for American Electricity Affordability Fact SheetMay 18, 2026 Fact Sheet: A Plan for American Electricity Affordability CAP’s plan would save households more than $900 in energy costs over four years while building a better energy system that saves American families billions in the years to come. May 18, 2026 Trevor Higgins, Shannon Baker-Branstetter, Michael Negron, 2 More Lucero Marquez, Kendra Hughes
The Trump Administration’s War in Iran Is Raising Costs for Rural Communities, Farmers, and Food Production ArticleMay 15, 2026 The Trump Administration’s War in Iran Is Raising Costs for Rural Communities, Farmers, and Food Production Rural households are paying, on average, at least $26 per week more at the pump, and an oil-dependent food supply chain means we should expect more expensive grocery prices for months to come. May 15, 2026 Anne Knapke, Mark Haggerty, Kyle Ross
Proposed Electric Vehicle Fees Would Only Make Life Less Affordable for Americans ArticleMay 12, 2026 Proposed Electric Vehicle Fees Would Only Make Life Less Affordable for Americans Electric vehicles help shield Americans from volatile gas prices and are already cheaper to maintain and operate than gas-powered cars; yet some members of Congress are seeking to make this technology more expensive through the upcoming surface transportation bill. May 12, 2026 Leo Banks
The American Franchise Act Would Harm Workers and Small Businesses ArticleApril 29, 2026 The American Franchise Act Would Harm Workers and Small Businesses Federal lawmakers are debating a bill that would let corporate franchisors off the hook when they undermine workers’ rights and leave small franchisees solely liable for labor law violations. Apr 29, 2026 Karla Walter
6 Policies Proved To Increase Union Membership ReportApril 28, 2026 6 Policies Proved To Increase Union Membership Evidence shows that more workers join unions when policies support workplace organizing, access, sectoral bargaining, the Ghent system, and dues paying, and provide funding. Apr 28, 2026 David Madland
State-by-State Increases in Gas Prices Since Trump’s War on Iran ArticleApril 23, 2026 State-by-State Increases in Gas Prices Since Trump’s War on Iran Gasoline prices have risen sharply since before the war, costing drivers across the United States about $38 more per month. Apr 23, 2026 Emily Gee
The Trump Administration’s $1,000 Tax Refund Promise Falls Short by $665 ArticleApril 14, 2026 The Trump Administration’s $1,000 Tax Refund Promise Falls Short by $665 IRS data show that tax refunds, which naturally fluctuate year to year, are up only $346 after the Trump administration repeatedly promised that they would increase by “$1,000 or more.” Apr 14, 2026 Corey Husak
Trump’s War May Be Over But the Economic Damage Is Not ArticleApril 8, 2026 Trump’s War May Be Over But the Economic Damage Is Not Consumers and businesses have already weathered substantial economic costs from the war in Iran, and prices and risks could remain elevated for months. Apr 8, 2026 Emily Gee, Kyle Ross, Akshay Thyagarajan, 1 More Leo Banks
Trump’s Budget Request Cuts Programs That Help Ordinary Americans and Sinks That Money Toward War ArticleApril 7, 2026 Trump’s Budget Request Cuts Programs That Help Ordinary Americans and Sinks That Money Toward War What are some of the proposed cuts in the Trump administration’s fiscal year 2027 budget? Apr 7, 2026 Bobby Kogan
The Trump ‘War Tax’: The Economic Costs of the Iran War Past EventApril 2, 2026 The Trump ‘War Tax’: The Economic Costs of the Iran War Please join the Center for American Progress for an online discussion on the economic costs of the U.S. war in Iran. Online via Zoom Apr 2, 2026
Trump’s War in Iran Is Increasing Mortgage Rates ArticleMarch 20, 2026 Trump’s War in Iran Is Increasing Mortgage Rates The increase in mortgage rates since the end of February will cost a typical first-time homebuyer $22,680. Mar 20, 2026 Kyle Ross
SNAP Cuts Could Lead To 70,000 Avoidable Deaths ArticleMarch 19, 2026 SNAP Cuts Could Lead To 70,000 Avoidable Deaths New state estimates reveal expanded work requirements could result in tens of thousands of avoidable deaths across the country by 2040. Mar 19, 2026 Kyle Ross
One Year After ‘Liberation Day,’ American Workers Are Feeling the Negative Effects of the Trump Administration’s Tariffs ArticleMarch 17, 2026 One Year After ‘Liberation Day,’ American Workers Are Feeling the Negative Effects of the Trump Administration’s Tariffs The Trump administration’s tariff agenda has resulted in blue-collar job losses in nearly every state while failing to boost manufacturing or close the trade deficit in goods. Mar 17, 2026 Ryan Mulholland, Kennedy Andara
1 Simple Tax Policy To Create Nearly 1 Million New Multifamily Homes ReportMarch 11, 2026 1 Simple Tax Policy To Create Nearly 1 Million New Multifamily Homes Changing tax depreciation for rental apartments and duplexes could create up to 1 million new homes for rent over the next decade. Mar 11, 2026 Thomas Brosy, Corey Husak
Immigrants Make the Labor Market Great ArticleMarch 6, 2026 Immigrants Make the Labor Market Great CAP analysis of the February 2026 employment report shows that President Trump’s promises to native-born workers have yet to materialize while reduced immigration is poised to have a negative effect overall on employment and wages in the long run. Mar 6, 2026 Sara Estep, Kennedy Andara
Contrary to Trump Administration Claims, Americans Won’t Receive an Average $1,000 Extra in Tax Refunds This Year ArticleFebruary 23, 2026 Contrary to Trump Administration Claims, Americans Won’t Receive an Average $1,000 Extra in Tax Refunds This Year The White House and congressional Republicans’ own data show that the average 2025 tax refund will increase by much less than $1,000, with most Americans earning less than $100,000 in income seeing no increase. Feb 23, 2026 Corey Husak
Hoja informativa: Sin sorpresas en el supermercado: Un plan para que los alimentos sean asequibles Hoja informativaFebruary 19, 2026 Hoja informativa: Sin sorpresas en el supermercado: Un plan para que los alimentos sean asequibles El plan de CAP se centraría en iniciativas federales para reducir los precios en el supermercado y permitir que los salarios se pongan al día con el aumento del precio de los alimentos, lo que le ahorraría a una familia típica de cuatro personas un promedio de $134 al año. Feb 19, 2026 Jared Bernstein, Michael Negron, Kyle Ross, 3 More Lily Roberts, Emily Gee, Amina Khalique
Stopping Sticker Shock at the Grocery Store: A Plan To Make Food More Affordable ReportFebruary 19, 2026 Stopping Sticker Shock at the Grocery Store: A Plan To Make Food More Affordable CAP’s plan would keep price growth in check while cracking down on anticompetitive behavior in the food industry and helping to prevent future price shocks. Feb 19, 2026 Jared Bernstein, Michael Negron, Kyle Ross, 2 More Lily Roberts, Emily Gee
Executive Summary: Stopping Sticker Shock at the Grocery Store: A Plan To Make Food Affordable Fact SheetFebruary 19, 2026 Executive Summary: Stopping Sticker Shock at the Grocery Store: A Plan To Make Food Affordable CAP’s plan would focus on federal efforts to lower grocery costs and allow wages to catch up with the rising cost of food—saving the typical family of four an average of $134 annually. Feb 19, 2026 Jared Bernstein, Michael Negron, Kyle Ross, 3 More Lily Roberts, Emily Gee, Amina Khalique
Working-Class People Struggle To Find Opportunities in Trump’s Economy ArticleFebruary 11, 2026 Working-Class People Struggle To Find Opportunities in Trump’s Economy Today’s jobs report shows that despite January job growth coming in above expectations, blue-collar workers are still experiencing an employment slowdown rarely seen outside of recessions while the working class only captured a fraction of the year’s growth. Feb 11, 2026 Sara Estep, Kennedy Andara
Working-Class Voters Shifted Slightly Toward Democrats in the 2025 Gubernatorial Elections ArticleJanuary 26, 2026 Working-Class Voters Shifted Slightly Toward Democrats in the 2025 Gubernatorial Elections Working-class shifts in the 2025 gubernatorial elections in Virginia and New Jersey were led by nonwhite voters and suggest that economic issues can move some voters. Jan 26, 2026 Jazmine Amoako
Cost-of-living concerns will be the major issue of 2026 In the NewsJanuary 23, 2026 Cost-of-living concerns will be the major issue of 2026 Natalie Baker joined a symposium for NOTUS, in which she argues that the rising cost of living will be the defining issue of 2026. Jan 23, 2026 NOTUS Natalie Baker
Trump’s Attack on Child Care Funding Undermines Early Educators, Shortchanges Children, and Increases Costs for Families ArticleJanuary 12, 2026 Trump’s Attack on Child Care Funding Undermines Early Educators, Shortchanges Children, and Increases Costs for Families The Trump administration leveraged allegations of fraud in Minnesota in an attempt to freeze essential child care funding, a move that reflects a dangerous, broader posture toward the early childhood community that threatens educators, parents, and children. Jan 12, 2026 Hailey Gibbs, Casey Peeks
November’s Jobs Report Hints at Labor Market Weakness Ahead ArticleDecember 16, 2025 November’s Jobs Report Hints at Labor Market Weakness Ahead November’s jobs report, released today, showed signs of weakness—particularly among groups that often foreshadow broader labor-market cooling, such as workers of color and older workers. Dec 16, 2025 Sara Estep, Christian E. Weller
Trump Administration Tariffs Could Result in 450,000 Fewer New Homes Through 2030 ArticleDecember 16, 2025 Trump Administration Tariffs Could Result in 450,000 Fewer New Homes Through 2030 The Trump administration’s tariffs are making it more expensive to build homes, deepening the U.S. housing shortage. Dec 16, 2025 Corey Husak, Natalie Baker, Mimla Wardak
Year 1 of the Second Trump Administration Made the Working Class Weaker ArticleDecember 15, 2025 Year 1 of the Second Trump Administration Made the Working Class Weaker The Trump administration’s actions are shrinking jobs, slowing wage growth, and raising living costs for the working class. Dec 15, 2025 Aurelia Glass
Senate Republicans’ HSA Plan Can’t Replace the Enhanced Premium Tax Credits ArticleDecember 9, 2025 Senate Republicans’ HSA Plan Can’t Replace the Enhanced Premium Tax Credits The Senate Republican response to the looming expiration of the ACA’s enhanced tax credits is a patchwork of policies that will shift costs onto patients and weaken insurance markets. Dec 9, 2025 Natasha Murphy, Topher Spiro, Brian Keyser
A New Economic Patriotism: A Conversation With Rep. Ro Khanna Past EventDecember 3, 2025 A New Economic Patriotism: A Conversation With Rep. Ro Khanna Please join the Center for American Progress for a conversation with Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) as part of the “What's Next: Conversations on the Path Forward” series. Center for American Progress and online via Zoom Dec 3, 2025
Why Gen Z Men Are the Most Pro-Union Generation in History: Unions Build Stable Finances ArticleDecember 3, 2025 Why Gen Z Men Are the Most Pro-Union Generation in History: Unions Build Stable Finances Gen Z men support unions more strongly than any other group, both today and when older generations were their age. Looking at the gains from union membership for young men, it’s easy to understand why. Dec 3, 2025 Aurelia Glass
Tackling Climate Change and Environmental Injustice IssueNovember 1, 2021 Tackling Climate Change and Environmental Injustice We pursue climate action that meets the crisis’s urgency, creates good-quality jobs, benefits disadvantaged communities, and restores U.S. credibility on the global stage.
Restoring Social Trust in Democracy IssueNovember 1, 2021 Restoring Social Trust in Democracy Democracy is under attack at home and abroad. We must act to ensure it is accessible to all, accountable, and can serve as a force of good.
Building an Economy for All IssueNovember 1, 2021 Building an Economy for All Economic growth must be built on the foundation of a strong and secure middle class so that all Americans benefit from growth.