US Red Tape Drives Up Housing and Energy Costs, Trump Approves Alaska Mining Road Stake

Government regulations in the United States are estimated to cost about $2 trillion a year—roughly 9% of GDP—adding $16,000‑$23,000 to each household. The rules raise prices for housing, energy, food and clothing, and make it harder to build homes, start small businesses, and adopt flexible work arrangements, worsening housing affordability and overall cost of living.

Separately, President Donald Trump approved construction of a road to an Alaska mining site in exchange for a 10% federal equity stake in the mining company Trilogy. Critics described the arrangement as “venture socialism,” noting opposition from tribal chief Harding Sam and concerns that the government is leveraging regulatory approvals for profit.