Unf*cking The Republic Stupid Is as Stupid Does: Will the real Scott Bessent please stand up?
Feb 19, 2026
A fierce breakdown of how current fiscal and monetary moves are weakening the U.S. dollar and trembling global markets. Sharp attention on a treasury official’s surprising behavior and its political consequences. Charts and data on consumer confidence, construction, bond markets, gold, and Japan’s role highlight widening risks to America’s economic standing.
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Construction Gains Are Misattributed
- Max debunks Bessent's manufacturing optimism with data showing manufacturing construction down.
- He shows short-term construction gains stem from public projects, not private factory reshore wins.
Growth Roots In Prior Industrial Policy
- Growth in transportation, power, and water spending traces to Biden-era IRA and Chips bills, not Trump tariffs.
- Max warns Trump will claim credit despite policy differences and timing mismatches.
Dollar Decline Raises Debt Financing Crisis
- Max stresses the dollar is collapsing and Treasury must manage debt sales and yields.
- He explains rising 10- and 30-year yields amplify financing costs and threaten fiscal stability.