The Daily Money

ALL THE MONEY NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW

Wed Mar 5 2025

Daniel de Visé | Personal Finance Reporter

Good morning! It's Daniel de Visé with your Daily Money.

Speaking before a joint session of Congress on Tuesday, President Donald Trump reiterated unsubstantiated claims of widespread fraud in the Social Security system. Trump said there have been "shocking levels of incompetence and probable fraud," with "many" people likely too old to be alive receiving "a lot of money."

This story has been bouncing around the social-media echo chamber for days. Is there anything to it?

Expect 'a little disturbance' from import tariffs

Trump also said Americans should get ready for "a little disturbance" from tariffs.

"Tariffs are about making America rich again and making America great again, and it's happening, and it will happen rather quickly," Trump said. "There will be a little disturbance. But we're okay with that. It won't be much."

He might be OK with it. Many economists and investors are not.

What was the impact of the 'Economic Blackout'?

Data is starting to come in from the Feb. 28 "economic blackout," as more retailer boycotts prepare to launch.

During the Feb. 28 event, consumers were encouraged not to spend any money anywhere for one day.

Did the boycott accomplish anything?

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About The Daily Money

Each weekday, The Daily Money delivers the best consumer and financial news from USA TODAY, breaking down complex events, providing the TLDR version, and explaining how everything from Fed rate changes to bankruptcies impacts you.

Daniel de Visé covers personal finance for USA Today.