Economist Stephen Moore joined Dan Proft on AM560’s Chicago’s Morning Answer to weigh in on the state of America’s energy grid, government spending, and welfare policy. Moore, co-author of The Trump Economic Miracle, argued that the country is underestimating future power needs while simultaneously weakening reliable sources of energy.
Moore echoed concerns raised by Chevron CEO Mike Wirth, who recently said the U.S. power grid is unprepared for the demands of new data centers and advanced technologies. Moore warned that relying too heavily on renewables like wind and solar creates instability, calling the grid’s reliability one of the greatest risks to national security. He pointed to natural gas, coal, and nuclear energy as essential to meeting rising demand, criticizing efforts to pursue net-zero policies without sufficient alternatives in place.
Turning to government spending, Moore highlighted a sharp reduction in the federal workforce, noting that 300,000 jobs have been eliminated through early retirements and agency downsizing. He argued that these cuts represent real progress in “draining the swamp,” reducing what he sees as a bloated bureaucracy that burdens private sector taxpayers.
Moore also raised concerns about welfare programs, citing studies showing that benefits in some states can exceed $40,000 annually. He said these levels discourage people from entering the workforce, creating what he described as a “moral hazard” that traps individuals in dependency. Moore advocated for stricter work requirements, contending they would not only encourage employment but also reduce fraud in the system.
In closing, Moore credited former President Donald Trump’s policies for boosting U.S. oil and gas production to record highs and eliminating what he called ineffective foreign aid spending. He urged a continued focus on “all of the above” energy development and policies designed to grow the private economy rather than the public sector.
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