President Trump's dollar dilemma

Which is better for the U.S. economy, a strong dollar or a weak dollar?

A strong dollar is a blessing and a curse.
(Image credit: Milorad Kovac / Alamy Stock Photo)

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Well, now we know what keeps President Trump awake at night, said Taylor Tepper at Money. According to The Huffington Post, the president recently placed a 3 a.m. phone call to his then–national security adviser Mike Flynn and asked whether a strong dollar or a weak dollar was better for the U.S. economy. "Flynn reportedly demurred," suggesting Trump call an economist instead. But it's a legitimate question, especially with the greenback hovering at a 14-year high. The simplest explanation is that a strong dollar makes foreign goods like German-made cars and shirts from China cheaper to buy for U.S. consumers. But a strong dollar hurts American manufacturers, whose exports become more expensive for overseas customers. "To answer the president's question, then, it all depends on who you are."

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