Core Insights - The article discusses the divergence between American economists and politicians, highlighting the criticism of U.S. tariff policies and the weakening of the Federal Reserve's independence by nearly 600 economists [1][2] - The "lamp post theory" by former Federal Reserve Vice Chairman Alan Blinder is introduced, suggesting that politicians often seek economic expertise not for genuine insight but to support pre-existing beliefs [1][2] Group 1: Economic Policy Perspectives - Economists focus on long-term impacts of economic policies, while politicians tend to have a short-term view, often simplifying complex issues into catchy slogans [2][3] - The article emphasizes that recent unilateral and protectionist measures by the U.S. government contradict the long-standing consensus in the economic community, marking a significant failure of policy advice [2][3] Group 2: Factors Influencing Economic Policy - The confusion in U.S. economic policy is attributed to three main factors: ignorance of basic economics, ideological interference, and the influence of interest groups [2][3] - Politicians often prioritize special interest groups to secure votes, leading to a neglect of sound economic principles [3] Group 3: Recommendations for Improvement - A balance is suggested between rational economic considerations, respect for market dynamics, and empathy for the vulnerable [3] - Increasing public understanding of economic principles is deemed essential to bridge gaps between different sectors, encouraging politicians to incorporate more professional consensus in decision-making [3]