America's wealth gap is growing, and Trump's policies are making it bigger

The wealth gap in the United States has widened significantly, with the richest households reaping most of the benefits from the stock market boom. According to Federal Reserve data, the top 10% of households own approximately 90% of all stocks, while the remaining 90% of Americans share the remaining 10%. This disparity has been exacerbated by the Trump administration's policies, which have favored corporations and the wealthy. The tax law passed last year has led to a surge in stock prices, with seven tech companies accounting for 40% of the gains in the S&P 500. The wealthiest households have also driven consumer spending, with around half of all spending coming from households making over $100,000, according to Moody's Analytics.

The housing market and new car sales have also been buoyed by the wealthy, with Walmart reporting that most of its growth came from households with incomes above $100,000. However, for many Americans, the economy remains a source of concern. Jeremy Kregar, a 23-year-old optometrist assistant in Portland, Oregon, struggles to make ends meet despite earning a relatively high hourly wage. His paycheck barely covers his bills, including a $20,000 student loan, and he often skips meals due to financial constraints. Kregar's experience is not unique, with many Americans feeling that the economy is not improving, but rather deteriorating.

The Trump administration's policies, including tariffs, have driven up retail prices, making it even more challenging for low- and middle-income households to make ends meet. As the economy continues to favor the wealthy, it remains to be seen how this trend will play out in the long term.