U.S. Department of Commerce

Money Moves

Resumed economic data releases after 43-day shutdown

American retail sales went nowhere in December, the weakest holiday shopping finish since 2018. The Commerce Department reported $735 billion in sales—unchanged from November—while economists expected 0.4% growth. Eight of thirteen retail categories declined, with furniture and auto sales hit hardest by tariff-driven price increases. The data, delayed more than a month by a 43-day government shutdown, sent money markets repricing Federal Reserve rate cuts from two to three for 2026. New analysis from Bank of America reveals the structural fracture runs deeper than initially understood: in January, higher-income households' spending grew 2.5% year-over-year, while middle-income households managed just 1% and lower-income households only 0.3%.

Updated Feb 18

Money Moves

Administering CHIPS Act and trade negotiations

The United States produced 37% of the world's semiconductors in 1990, but by 2024 that share had fallen below 10%, with Taiwan manufacturing over 90% of the most advanced chips. A $500 billion US-Taiwan trade framework, initiated with a January 16, 2026 memorandum and formally signed February 12, commits Taiwanese firms to $250 billion in direct US investments plus $250 billion in credit guarantees for semiconductors, AI, and energy in exchange for 15% tariffs (down from 20%).

Updated Feb 13

Rule Changes

Implementing the H200 sales framework and defending the security logic

The Trump administration just did the thing Washington has spent years swearing it wouldn’t do: let China buy a near-top-tier Nvidia AI chip again. Now a key China hawk in Congress is demanding the Commerce Department explain, in detail, why this isn’t a strategic own-goal.

Updated Dec 13, 2025

Rule Changes

Tasked with scoring state AI laws and tying them to broadband and grant eligibility.

Donald Trump just turned AI regulation into a states’ rights knife fight. His new executive order creates a Justice Department “AI Litigation Task Force” to attack state AI laws and lets Washington threaten $42 billion in broadband funds for states that don’t fall in line.

Updated Dec 12, 2025

Rule Changes

Administering the Trump Gold Card fund and front-end marketing of the program.

Donald Trump is now literally selling a fast track to America. His new Trump Gold Card program lets wealthy foreigners buy expedited U.S. residency for a $1 million “gift” to the government, on top of a $15,000 processing fee, with a corporate option costing $2 million per sponsored worker.

Updated Dec 11, 2025