Pivot Trump Bullies Allies, Powell Stays Put, and Kalshi Faces Criminal Charges
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Mar 20, 2026 Trump’s attacks on allies, Iran tensions, oil shocks, and Pentagon spending set the political backdrop. Jerome Powell resists pressure as Fed drama keeps simmering. There’s also a sharp look at Meta’s fading metaverse dream, OpenAI’s strategic reset, Disney succession headaches, Kalshi’s legal trouble, and Uber’s autonomy ambitions.
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Oil Price Spikes Punish Consumers Fast
- Higher oil prices hit lower-income households first and then spread through the whole economy via transport and production costs.
- Scott says a $1 jump at the pump adds roughly $530 yearly and could push inflation up another 100 basis points short term.
Powell Can Keep Running The Fed Without The Title
- Jerome Powell staying on as chair and governor means Trump may fail to reshape Fed policy even after replacing him formally.
- Scott says boards follow the smartest voice in the room, and Powell’s soft landing gives him enormous credibility with other governors.
Meta Burned Billions On A World People Rejected
- Meta’s metaverse collapse shows even $70 billion cannot force people into a product they fundamentally do not want.
- Kara Swisher notes Horizon Worlds drew only a few hundred thousand monthly users, sometimes under 1,000 daily, despite years of hype.