Group 1 - The White House's tariff policy is expected to increase consumer prices in the U.S., raising concerns about the affordability of goods and the realization of the "American Dream" [1][2][3] - Major retailers like Walmart have warned that a wide range of products, from groceries to car seats, will become more expensive due to tariffs, affecting 90% of American households [2][5] - The cost of achieving the "American Dream" is projected to rise to $4.4 million in 2024, a $1 million increase from 2023, primarily driven by high inflation [3][5] Group 2 - Experts suggest that the tariff policy may make economic security harder to achieve for many middle-class families, as it raises costs for essential items like housing and vehicles [5][9] - The National Retail Federation (NRF) highlights that small businesses, which make up 98% of retailers and provide over 13 million jobs, are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of tariffs [5][10] - The tariffs could lead to a decrease in consumer confidence and spending, as businesses pass on the increased costs to customers [5][10] Group 3 - The debate continues over whether access to affordable goods is a fundamental part of the "American Dream," with some officials arguing it is not, while others assert that it is essential for the quality of life [6][7][9] - Historical perspectives indicate that post-World War II consumerism was tied to national identity and economic prosperity, suggesting that rising prices could undermine this connection [8][9] - The tariffs may exacerbate wealth inequality and hinder upward mobility for ordinary Americans, as the cost of living increases [9][11] Group 4 - Polls indicate that a significant portion of the American public disapproves of the tariff approach, particularly among younger voters and those with lower incomes [11][12] - Despite a preference for American-made products, consumer behavior shows a stronger inclination towards low prices and availability, suggesting potential backlash against high tariffs [12]

Group 1 - The report highlights a growing gap between income and actual living costs for low-income families in the U.S., with a shortfall exceeding $29,000 for the bottom 60% of households [1] - The study indicates that traditional inflation metrics fail to accurately reflect the economic pressures faced by these families, as their spending on necessities is disproportionately high compared to wealthier households [1][2] - Since 2001, the median household income in the U.S. has decreased by 4% when adjusted for the "Minimum Quality of Life Index," while the commonly used Consumer Price Index (CPI) shows an 11% increase in income during the same period [1] Group 2 - The rising cost of child-rearing has significantly contributed to the economic strain on low-income families, with expenses for raising children more than doubling since 2001, exceeding $30,000 for a typical family of four in 2023 [2] - High-income families have experienced stable economic surpluses, maintaining over 60% above the minimum quality of life standard, with an average annual income of approximately $200,000 in 2023, leaving a surplus of nearly $128,000 after basic living expenses [2]

【环球时报综合报道】编者的话：今年以来，随着特朗普政府不断削减美国高校及研究机构经费，越来 越多美国科研人员将目光投向海外，欧洲各国政府及研究机构掀起被美国"政治新闻网"欧洲版形容 的"知识淘金热"，争先恐后地增加自身对美国顶尖科研人才的吸引力。比如，根据欧盟现行政策，移居 欧洲的美国研究人员最高可获得450万欧元的资助。美国目前的人才流失情况如何？哪类研究人员最受 欧洲国家欢迎？欧洲各国能否把握住这波"淘金热"的机会呢？针对上述问题，《环球时报》记者近日进 行了调查，发现欧洲各国对美国研究人员的吸引侧重点各有不同，砸重金"抢人"的模式也面临一些争议 和质疑。 所谓的 " 美国梦 " 已不复存在 "我有一个朋友不得不开启线上众筹来维持她在美国实验室的运转。"目前正在立陶宛维尔纽斯大学工作 的美国生物化学博士斯蒂芬·琼斯告诉《滚石》杂志，2020年美国总统选举期间，他在得克萨斯大学完 成了博士后工作，尽管当时特朗普没有赢得选举，但在新冠疫情暴发期间，反科学情绪在美国社会蔓 延，对比之下，欧洲更有吸引力，因此他和妻子选择离开。 时至今日，琼斯很庆幸自己的选择，他说他的研究资金比以往任何时候都要稳定，他不需要把学生 ...

导 语：无论是否喜欢，美国梦已离不开廉价商品，而涨价比消费机会的消失更显残酷。 如今，新电视的价格之低令人惊叹不已。十年前，一台65英寸的液晶电视可能要花1500美元甚至 2000美元，而现在售价却不到500美元。 在这个一切都很昂贵的世界——无论是汽车、房子还是鸡蛋——知道你仍然可以在一天结束时，以 较低的成本享受高质量的"有罪快感"节目，这多少让人感到一丝安慰。如果你负担不起一场奢华的 度假，至少可以通过观看《白莲花度假村》来间接体验一下。 多年来，美国消费者不情愿地接受了这样的交易。所谓的"美国梦"中的许多要素价格高昂，以至于 对许多人来说遥不可及。医疗费用高得离谱，大学学费更是让人咋舌，无论是买房还是租房，房地 产市场都令人焦虑不已。 然而，消费品仍然是触手可及的。玩具、服装和电子产品等商品的价格一直在下降。我们容忍那些 大件商品的高价标签，一方面是因为我们别无选择，另一方面是因为至少我们还能享受娱乐，保持 联系，并且可以用各种物品填满我们的家和衣橱。 也许你无法在生活中更上一层楼，曾经唾手可得的机会也已不复存在，但至少你可以在Temu上花5 美元买到一些有趣又奇特的东西。 "物质主义是我们消费公民身 ...