The United States just recorded its largest improvement in economic freedom in more than two decades, according to the 2026 Index of Economic Freedom. What’s driving the turnaround—and what does it mean for small businesses and economic growth?

On this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with Heritage Foundation Chief Economist EJ Antoni to break down the key factors behind the U.S. rebound. They discuss the role of deregulation, tax policy, and investment incentives, why excessive government regulation disproportionately harms small businesses, and how America compares to other economies around the world.

They also dive into the latest jobs data, productivity gains driven by AI, and the long-term risks posed by federal debt and deficits. Plus, Antoni explains why policies that expand economic freedom are essential for higher wages, stronger growth, and improved living standards.

Check out the Economic Report for yourself - https://economicfreedom.heritage.org/

The United States just recorded its largest improvement in economic freedom in more than two decades, according to the 2026 Index of Economic Freedom. What&rsquo;s driving the turnaround&mdash;and what does it mean for small businesses and economic growth?
On this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with Heritage Foundation Chief Economist EJ Antoni to break down the key factors behind the U.S. rebound. They discuss the role of deregulation, tax policy, and investment incentives, why excessive government regulation disproportionately harms small businesses, and how America compares to other economies around the world.
They also dive into the latest jobs data, productivity gains driven by AI, and the long-term risks posed by federal debt and deficits. Plus, Antoni explains why policies that expand economic freedom are essential for higher wages, stronger growth, and improved living standards.
Check out the Economic Report for yourself - https://economicfreedom.heritage.org/

Main Street Matters with Elaine Parker and Alfredo Ortiz explores the intersection of small business and government policy. With more than 90 million Americans either owning or depending on small business for their household income, policies like taxes, regulations, and access to credit have a huge effect on the American Dream. Elaine and Alfredo talk with small business owners, government officials and office holders, and experts about everything from education to the labor market on this interesting and entertaining podcast.

Main Street Matters with Elaine Parker and Alfredo Ortiz explores the intersection of small business and government policy. With more than 90 million Americans either owning or depending on small business for their household income, policies like taxes, regulations, and access to credit have a huge effect on the American Dream. Elaine and Alfredo talk with small business owners, government officials and office holders, and experts about everything from education to the labor market on this interesting and entertaining podcast.

Main Street Matters

On this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with Heritage Foundation Chief Economist EJ Antoni to break down the key factors behind the U.S. rebound. They discuss the role of deregulation, tax policy, and investment incentives, why excessive government regulation disproportionately harms small businesses, and how America compares to other economies around the world.

America’s Economic Freedom Rebound: Deregulation, Small Business  Growth & What the 2026 Index Reveals

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/ba709931-a0ce-4293-bfee-b40c00c06b86/transcript

Is the U.S. economy slowing down—or just going through a volatile transition? On this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with Breitbart economics editor John Carney to break down the latest economic headlines affecting small businesses and American workers.

Carney analyzes the shocking 92,000-job loss in the latest jobs report, why the numbers may be worse than they appear, and what it means for the Federal Reserve, interest rates, and the broader labor market. They also discuss why wage growth and productivity are still rising, how AI is transforming both large corporations and small businesses, and why innovation historically creates more jobs than it destroys.

The conversation also tackles the sudden spike in oil and gas prices, the impact of the Iran conflict and Strait of Hormuz tensions, and what global markets are signaling about energy prices in the months ahead. Plus, Carney explains the Supreme Court’s tariff ruling, what it means for the Trump administration’s trade strategy, and whether companies could receive refunds for past tariffs.

Is the U.S. economy slowing down&mdash;or just going through a volatile transition? On this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with Breitbart economics editor&nbsp;John Carney to break down the latest economic headlines affecting small businesses and American workers.
Carney analyzes the shocking 92,000-job loss in the latest jobs report, why the numbers may be worse than they appear, and what it means for the Federal Reserve, interest rates, and the broader labor market. They also discuss why wage growth and productivity are still rising, how AI is transforming both large corporations and small businesses, and why innovation historically creates more jobs than it destroys.
The conversation also tackles the sudden spike in oil and gas prices, the impact of the Iran conflict and Strait of Hormuz tensions, and what global markets are signaling about energy prices in the months ahead. Plus, Carney explains the Supreme Court&rsquo;s tariff ruling, what it means for the Trump administration&rsquo;s trade strategy, and whether companies could receive refunds for past tariffs.

Is the U.S. economy slowing down—or just going through a volatile transition? On this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with Breitbart economics editor John Carney to break down the latest economic headlines affecting small businesses and American workers.

Bad Jobs Report, AI Disruption & Rising Oil Prices: John Carney Breaks Down the Economy

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/069b88ce-ff21-4875-ad65-b40a001fe1cf/transcript

On this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker of the Job Creators Network sits down with Bruce De Torres, communications director for the American Small Business League and host of the podcast Reality with Bruce De Torres, to discuss the real challenges facing America’s small businesses.

With 99.9% of U.S. businesses classified as small businesses, Bruce explains why many Main Street entrepreneurs still feel locked out of opportunity—especially when it comes to federal contracts that are supposed to support small firms. The conversation dives into the hidden barriers small business owners face, including regulatory burdens, complex federal paperwork, rising costs, and a contracting system critics say disproportionately benefits large corporations.

Elaine and Bruce also explore the broader economic landscape, including the state of the U.S. economy, consumer confidence, hiring trends, and how global tensions—such as the growing conflict involving Iran—could impact energy prices, supply chains, and small businesses across the country.

Plus, Bruce outlines what policymakers could do right now to unleash a major economic boost for Main Street by ensuring federal contracting rules truly benefit small businesses. 

On this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker of the Job Creators Network sits down with Bruce De Torres, communications director for the American Small Business League and host of the podcast Reality with Bruce De Torres, to discuss the real challenges facing America&rsquo;s small businesses.
With 99.9% of U.S. businesses classified as small businesses, Bruce explains why many Main Street entrepreneurs still feel locked out of opportunity&mdash;especially when it comes to federal contracts that are supposed to support small firms. The conversation dives into the hidden barriers small business owners face, including regulatory burdens, complex federal paperwork, rising costs, and a contracting system critics say disproportionately benefits large corporations.
Elaine and Bruce also explore the broader economic landscape, including the state of the U.S. economy, consumer confidence, hiring trends, and how global tensions&mdash;such as the growing conflict involving Iran&mdash;could impact energy prices, supply chains, and small businesses across the country.
Plus, Bruce outlines what policymakers could do right now to unleash a major economic boost for Main Street by ensuring federal contracting rules truly benefit small businesses.&nbsp;

On this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker of the Job Creators Network sits down with Bruce De Torres, communications director for the American Small Business League and host of the podcast Reality with Bruce De Torres, to discuss the real challenges facing America’s small businesses.

Bruce De Torres on Small Business Struggles, Federal Contracts & the U.S. Economy

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/e45759cf-eab8-4c0d-adb7-b405004ff89e/transcript

What does the Supreme Court’s latest ruling on tariffs mean for America’s small businesses—and for President Trump’s broader trade agenda?

On this episode of Main Street Matters: America’s Small Business Megaphone, host Jordan Bruneau, Vice President of the Job Creators Network, sits down with economic expert Steve Bonta, publisher of The New American, to unpack the constitutional, economic, and political debate surrounding tariffs.

They break down the recent Supreme Court decision affecting Trump’s tariff policies, exploring whether the president actually has the constitutional authority to impose tariffs—or whether that power belongs solely to Congress under Article I of the Constitution. Bonta also explains how decades-old trade laws allowed presidents to wield tariff authority and why the issue is now being challenged.

The conversation goes beyond the legal debate to examine the economic impact of tariffs on small businesses, trade policy, and global competition, especially with rivals like China. Could tariffs help rebuild American industry? Or do they create uncertainty for entrepreneurs trying to plan ahead?

Jordan and Steve also tackle a bigger question: Could the U.S. ever return to a tariff-based revenue system and eliminate the income tax? And what would that mean for the size and scope of the federal government?

In this episode:


The Supreme Court ruling on Trump’s tariffs explained


Why the Constitution gives Congress—not the president—the power to impose tariffs


The history of U.S. trade policy from Smoot-Hawley to modern trade acts


The tariff vs. free trade debate and its impact on small businesses


The economic and national security implications of trade with China


Whether tariffs could realistically replace the income tax

If you’re a small business owner, entrepreneur, or Main Street worker, this episode offers essential insight into the policies shaping America’s economic future.

🎧 Main Street Matters is part of the Salem Podcast Network, with new episodes every Wednesday and Friday. Listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube, Rumble, and Job Creators Network channels.

What does the Supreme Court&rsquo;s latest ruling on tariffs mean for America&rsquo;s small businesses&mdash;and for President Trump&rsquo;s broader trade agenda?
On this episode of Main Street Matters: America&rsquo;s Small Business Megaphone, host Jordan Bruneau, Vice President of the Job Creators Network, sits down with economic expert Steve Bonta, publisher of The New American, to unpack the constitutional, economic, and political debate surrounding tariffs.
They break down the recent Supreme Court decision affecting Trump&rsquo;s tariff policies, exploring whether the president actually has the constitutional authority to impose tariffs&mdash;or whether that power belongs solely to Congress under Article I of the Constitution. Bonta also explains how decades-old trade laws allowed presidents to wield tariff authority and why the issue is now being challenged.
The conversation goes beyond the legal debate to examine the economic impact of tariffs on small businesses, trade policy, and global competition, especially with rivals like China. Could tariffs help rebuild American industry? Or do they create uncertainty for entrepreneurs trying to plan ahead?
Jordan and Steve also tackle a bigger question: Could the U.S. ever return to a tariff-based revenue system and eliminate the income tax? And what would that mean for the size and scope of the federal government?
In this episode:
<ul data-start="1579" data-end="2027">
<li data-start="1579" data-end="1640">
The Supreme Court ruling on Trump&rsquo;s tariffs explained
</li>
<li data-start="1641" data-end="1730">
Why the Constitution gives Congress&mdash;not the president&mdash;the power to impose tariffs
</li>
<li data-start="1731" data-end="1810">
The history of U.S. trade policy from Smoot-Hawley to modern trade acts
</li>
<li data-start="1811" data-end="1886">
The tariff vs. free trade debate and its impact on small businesses
</li>
<li data-start="1887" data-end="1962">
The economic and national security implications of trade with China
</li>
<li data-start="1963" data-end="2027">
Whether tariffs could realistically replace the income tax
</li>
</ul>
If you&rsquo;re a small business owner, entrepreneur, or Main Street worker, this episode offers essential insight into the policies shaping America&rsquo;s economic future.
🎧 Main Street Matters is part of the Salem Podcast Network, with new episodes every Wednesday and Friday. Listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube, Rumble, and Job Creators Network channels.

What does the Supreme Court’s latest ruling on tariffs mean for America’s small businesses—and for President Trump’s broader trade agenda?  On this episode of Main Street Matters: America’s Small Business Megaphone, host Jordan Bruneau, Vice President of the Job Creators Network, sits down with economic expert Steve Bonta, publisher of The New American, to unpack the constitutional, economic, and political debate surrounding tariffs.

Supreme Court Tariff Ruling Explained—What Trump’s Trade Agenda Means for Small Business

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/53fd881c-0409-4e3e-83ee-b40300314d1c/transcript

America’s Economic Freedom Rebound: Deregulation, Small Business Growth & What the 2026 Index Reveals

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