The Daily Zeitgeist Trendie Nights Babies 5/12: Trump Phone, Inflation, Nebraska Senate Race, Sean Duffy, Cole Allen
May 12, 2026
Conversation covers a mysterious Trump phone preorder saga and related no-bid contracts. They dig into rising inflation and how wages lag behind price increases. The chaotic Nebraska Senate race and Democratic strategy problems get attention. They also discuss Sean Duffy's sponsored road trip, Cole Allen pleading not guilty, and a stolen Beyoncé hard drive plea deal.
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Trump Phone Preorders Were For An Idea Not A Device
- The Trump-branded phone pre-orders were essentially sales of a vague idea rather than a guaranteed product.
- T1 Mobile took 590,000 $100 deposits and later updated terms to state production is discretionary, leaving buyers with only a conditional opportunity.
Inflation Has Erased Recent Wage Gains
- Recent inflation rose to 3.8% with cumulative price increases ~25% since 2020, eroding real purchasing power.
- Real average hourly wages slipped 0.5% month-over-month and now for the first time in three years inflation is eating all wage gains.
Inflation Is Broad Not Just Fuel Driven
- Price increases are broad: gas, food, air travel and lodging all contributed, indicating inflation isn't solely one-off fuel shock.
- Steel tariffs are pushing canned goods prices up, showing policy choices amplify consumer pain.