Michael McKenna

Pope Leo XIV’s surprise election reveals why the Catholic Church survives leadership changes

A few weeks ago, a man named Richard Prevost was elected by his peers to become the most important man in the world.

June 1, 2025

Senate’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ process likely to focus on saving taxpayer money

Last week, the House of Representatives passed, by the bracing margin of 215-214, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which included an extension of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.

May 28, 2025

Reflecting on Memorial Day’s true meaning

On Monday, we celebrate Memorial Day, the civic holy day we set aside to commemorate those who died fighting our wars.

May 25, 2025

For Trump’s tariffs to work, consumer behavior needs to change

President Trump teed off a bit last weekend in response to Walmart's announcement that it plans to increase prices on some of the goods it sells, partly because of the effect of tariffs on goods originating in China. As a reminder, these tariffs are still in place, albeit at a 30% rate rather than the 145% rate where we started.

May 21, 2025

City monopolies: Breaking the ruinous Democratic stronghold

If the Justice Department is really serious about breaking up monopolies that have a toxic effect on Americans, they should do something about America's cities.

May 18, 2025

Trump must stay tough on China: No ‘shared interests’ with a genocidal regime

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent observed early this week that the U.S. and China found common ground on trade in talks over the weekend and neither side wants a divorce.

May 14, 2025

The Inflation Reduction Act tax credits are at risk

Way back in 2022, the Joint Committee on Taxation estimated that the Inflation Reduction Act would increase the federal deficit by $366 billion over the next 10 years.

May 11, 2025

Congressional overreach: Greene’s hearing on private fencing match pointless

I believe just about everyone is either a male or a female in every cell of their body, and concerning the primary sexual organs with which they were born.

May 6, 2025

Trump’s reindustrialization depends on protecting energy giants like Phillips 66

It is safe to say that reindustrializing America is at the center of President Trump's agenda.

May 4, 2025

Simple truths for complex times: Advice to the next generation

A few days ago, I talked with professor Henry Barbour's public policy class at the University of Mississippi.

April 30, 2025

Independent agencies: Important for stability, business planning or obstructionists to presidents?

The independent regulatory agencies are among the most troublesome weeds that grow in the federal government.

April 27, 2025

A valedictory for Pope Francis

One of the best customs that happens in the wake of the death of a pope is that he is no longer referred to by his papal name but rather by his baptismal name.

April 23, 2025

250 years after Lexington and Concord, do we still fight for freedom?

John Brown, Samuel Hadley, Caleb Harrington, Jonathan Harrington, Robert Munroe, Isaac Muzzey, Asahel Porter and Jonas Parker were the first American casualties in the American Revolution.

April 20, 2025

Enduring impact of an obscure Jewish carpenter on modern civilization

This weekend, the world's 2 1/2 billion Christians will celebrate the torture, execution and resurrection of an obscure Jewish carpenter.

April 16, 2025

Trump might be faring better if he had flooded Congress with bills instead of signing orders

In the wake of an election, it is always tempting to conclude that the winning side will advance from victory to victory and all its efforts will result in unalloyed achievements of its policies.

April 13, 2025

What do Americans say about Trump’s tariffs?

A lot of people are concerned about the president's tariffpalooza.

April 9, 2025

Significant reform of Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act essential

The Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act was presented as an attempt to promote energy independence and diversify the electricity sector.

April 6, 2025

Time for Trump to turn to tax reform

A few days ago, it was reported that some folks on Team Trump were considering increasing the top federal tax rate to 39.6%, like it was in the Obama years, from 37%, as set in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.

April 2, 2025

We need Canada’s crude oil to help America’s energy supremacy

Although the flavor of the month includes bashing Canada when possible, it is important to remember that our neighbors are essential to creating and sustaining American energy supremacy.

March 30, 2025

The IMF is trying to kneecap American energy companies

The IMF has told a group of West African nations that loans and foreign aid may be compromised unless they take steps to bolster the amount of foreign currency they have in reserve.

March 26, 2025