Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the disparity between the U.S. government's optimistic economic projections and the current economic reality faced by most Americans, highlighting disappointing employment figures and rising unemployment rates [1][2]. Employment and Unemployment - In the first 11 months of the year, the U.S. added an average of only 55,000 jobs per month, a significant decline of 67% compared to 2024 [2] - The unemployment rate rose to 4.6% in November, marking the highest level in four years [2]. Tariff Policies and Manufacturing - The new government has implemented tariff policies aimed at bringing manufacturing jobs back to the U.S., but manufacturing employment has only increased in two out of ten months [4]. - The average effective tariff rate has surged from 2.4% to 16.8%, the highest level since 1935 [4]. Economic Impact of Tariffs - The chaotic implementation of tariffs has been acknowledged by officials, indicating that the process has been more painful than anticipated [5]. - Tariffs on foreign goods are likely to be passed on to consumers, leading to increased prices for goods on store shelves [6]. Inflation and Consumer Prices - The Consumer Price Index (CPI) in November showed a year-on-year increase of 2.7%, remaining above the Federal Reserve's target of 2% inflation [7]. Government Response and Economic Outlook - The government has adjusted tariffs on certain imported goods and announced a $12 billion agricultural aid plan, alongside proposals to distribute checks to citizens funded by tariff revenues [8]. - Despite government optimism for economic acceleration in the first quarter of the following year, economists express skepticism about the benefits for low-income Americans, especially considering rising healthcare costs [8].