Rep. Henry Cuellar Assures Democrats He’s Still Loyal After Trump Pardons Him From Money Laundering, FARA Case
Earlier Wednesday, President Trump announced on Truth Social that he’s pardoning Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX), who was charged along with his wife in May 2024 for allegedly partaking in two schemes involving bribery, unlawful foreign influence, and money laundering.
Specifically, they were charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit bribery of a federal official and to have a public official act as an agent of a foreign principal required to register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA); two counts of briberyof a federal official; two counts of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud; two counts of violating the ban on public officials acting as agents of a foreign principal required to register under FARA; one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering; and five counts of money laundering, the Epoch Times notes.
They faced up to 20 years behind bars if convicted.
“For years, the Biden Administration weaponized the Justice System against their Political Opponents, and anyone who disagreed with them. One of the clearest examples of this was when Crooked Joe used the FBI and DOJ to “take out” a member of his own Party after Highly Respected Congressman Henry Cuellar bravely spoke out against Open Borders, and the Biden Border “Catastrophe.” Sleepy Joe went after the Congressman, and even the Congressman’s wonderful wife, Imelda, simply for speaking the TRUTH,” Trump wrote.
“Henry, I don’t know you, but you can sleep well tonight — Your nightmare is finally over!”
The Charges
Between at least December 2014 and November 2021, Cuellar and his wife allegedly accepted approximately $600,000 in bribes from an oil and gas companywholly owned and controlled by the government of Azerbaijan, and a Mexico City-based bank, according to a statement from the Department of Justice.
The payments were allegedly laundered “through a series of front companies and middlemen into shell companies owned by Imelda Cuellar, who performed little to no legitimate work under the contracts,” the statement said.
“In exchange for the bribes paid by the Azerbaijani oil and gas company, Congressman Cuellar allegedly agreed to use his office to influence U.S. foreign policy in favor of Azerbaijan,” it said.
“In exchange for the bribes paid by the Mexican bank, Congressman Cuellar allegedly agreed to influence legislative activity and to advise and pressure high-ranking U.S. Executive Branch officials regarding measures beneficial to the bank.”
Cuellar Reassures Dems
Shortly after the pardon, Cuellar told a small group of reporters that it “came as a surprise,” adding “I want to thank President Trump for this. … Now we clear the air. Nothing has changed, and we’re going to be ready to win re-election again.”
Trump’s announcement stoked concerns among Democrats that the 11-term veteran might finally switch to the GOP after years of hinting at it, or that he could simply retire – which would give Republicans a much better chance to flip his seat.
“Nothing has changed — I’m a good old conservative Democrat,” Cuellar said Wednesday.
President Trump signaled Tuesday that the federal income tax could soon be history. Speaking to reporters after a cabinet meeting, Trump laid out a vision of economic freedom powered by massive tariff revenues from foreign nations— putting America First instead of bleeding hardworking citizens dry to fund globalist giveaways.
With tariffs surging and billions pouring in from trade deals, Trump is paving the way for a tax revolution that could explode the economy overnight. The President’s declaration came during a press gaggle at the White House, where he emphasised the unprecedented revenue streaming into U.S. coffers thanks to his tough trade policies.
“I believe that at some point in the not-too distant future, you won’t even have income tax to pay,” Trump stated plainly. He elaborated, “Because the money we’re taking in is so great and it’s so enormous that you’re not going to have an income tax to pay. Whether you get rid of it or just keep it around for fun or have it really low, much lower than it is now, but you won’t be paying income tax.”
BREAKING: President Trump just announced he expects the income tax to be ABOLISHED soon.
This would be the single greatest economic move in American history. Imagine taking home 100% of your paycheck?
Trump’s push to axe the income tax isn’t new—it’s rooted in his America First agenda that flips the script on how the government funds itself. As he explained in his inaugural address, “Instead of taxing our citizens to enrich other countries, we will tariff and tax foreign countries to enrich our citizens. For this purpose, we are establishing the External Revenue Service to collect all tariffs, duties, and revenues. It will be massive amounts of money pouring into our Treasury, coming from foreign sources.”
This echoes his campaign trail musings, where he told podcaster Joe Rogan that tariffs could fully replace income taxes. “Yeah, sure, why not?” Trump replied when asked if he was serious about ditching personal income taxes.
Now, with tariffs already raking in hundreds of billions—up 250% from last year—the numbers are backing him up. Income tax hauled in about $2.7 trillion in fiscal 2025, but Trump’s team projects tariffs and foreign investments could eclipse that, especially with pledges like Japan’s $650 billion, South Korea’s $350 billion, and the EU’s $950 billion pouring into U.S. plants and jobs.
Recent reports highlight how this fits into broader reforms, including the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which promises huge tax refunds and real wage hikes in 2026. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent boasted at the same meeting: “In 2026, we are going to see very substantial tax refunds in the First Quarter… We’re going to see real wage increases. I think next year is going to be a fantastic year.”
.@SecScottBessent: “In 2026, we are going to see very substantial tax refunds in the First Quarter… We’re going to see real wage increases. I think next year is going to be a fantastic year.” pic.twitter.com/3XTBD8wK7q
Of course, the usual suspects in the media and academia are already hyperventilating. Economists aligned with the old guard, like those from UCLA and NYU, whine that tariffs “can’t replace” income tax revenue, claiming it’d shift burdens or balloon the debt. Funny how they never complain when trillions get funneled to Ukraine or climate scams, but suggest letting Americans keep their money? Suddenly, it’s “fantasy.”
Trump himself dismissed the doubters by pointing to historical precedent: the U.S. thrived in the late 19th century with “all tariffs, no income tax.” His vision includes potentially eliminating the IRS altogether, a dream for anyone who’s suffered through their audits and overreach.
Fox Business notes this as Trump’s “most explicit endorsement” yet of scrapping income taxes, marking a potential overhaul unseen in over 100 years. And with a narrow House majority, the fight will be fierce—but Trump’s track record on trade wars shows he doesn’t back down from globalist bullies.
Trump expanded on the timeline in recent comments: “Over the next couple of years, I think we’ll substantially be cutting—and maybe cutting out completely—income tax. We could be almost completely cutting it because the money we’re taking in is going to be so large.” He tied it directly to protecting American industries: “We’re taking in, think of it, hundreds of billions. Next year, it’ll be a trillion dollars or more, but we’re taking in all this money while protecting our country. And we’re respected again.”
This isn’t about handouts; it’s about fairness. Why should blue-collar workers foot the bill for elite excesses when foreign nations can pay up through tariffs? As Trump put it, “They actually respect us. And they made the deals. I mean, they respect us, but they pay us.”
If he pulls this off, it’ll be a massive win for freedom, unleashing prosperity like never before. America First means keeping your paycheck—all of it!
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Two of the federal judges facing impeachment threats refused to attend a Wednesday Senate Judiciary subcommittee hearing on “rogue judges.”
James Boasberg and Deborah Boardman, district judges in Washington and Maryland, respectively, told the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts that they would not appear over concerns about the separation of powers and judicial ethics.
Their refusal was delivered through a Nov. 12 letter sent by U.S. Judge Robert Conrad, the director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, to Sen. Ted Cruz, who chairs the subcommittee.
Conrad claimed that allowing the judges to testify could violate ethics rules and “encroach upon the separation of powers,” according to the Daily Caller.
He cited judicial rule Canon 3A(6), which forbids judges from testifying about matters they have decided or that may be pending before them.
“The commentary to this provision explains that the ‘admonition against public comment about the merits of a pending or impending matter continues until the appellate process is complete,’” Conrad added.
Director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts Judge Robert Conrad cited part of the code of conduct stating a judge “should not make public comment on the merits of a matter pending or impending in any court.”
Cruz scheduled the hearing to examine possible impeachment proceedings against federal judges accused of overstepping their authority.
Boasberg is one of those judges, Republicans argue. He is facing impeachment threats from Rep. Brandon Gill, R-Texas,
Gill filed the articles of impeachment accusing Boasberg of abusing his “judicial authority” for approving Biden-era search warrants targeting Republican lawmakers and other conservative organizations part of the Jan. 6 investigation.
“Judge Boasberg was an accomplice in the egregious Arctic Frost scandal where he equipped the Biden DOJ to spy on Republican senators,” Gill wrote in a statement.
“His lack of integrity makes him clearly unfit for the gavel.”
Boardman is also facing impeachment efforts, this time from Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, over her lenient eight-year sentence for the convicted would-be assassin of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
Boardman cited the attacker’s declared transgender identity to justify sparing him from a harsher penalty.
“Boardman unequivocally based this weak sentence on the attempted assassin’s ‘gender identity,’ as the attempted assassin expressed that he views himself as a woman,” Roy wrote in a separate statement. “Instead of doing what the Judiciary calls for and sentencing this man to the base 30-year sentence recommended by the Department of Justice, Judge Boardman purposefully allowed this man off easy.”
Two of the federal judges facing impeachment threats refused to attend a Wednesday Senate Judiciary subcommittee hearing on “rogue judges.”
James Boasberg and Deborah Boardman, district judges in Washington and Maryland, respectively, told the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts that they would not appear over concerns about the separation of powers and judicial ethics.
Their refusal was delivered through a Nov. 12 letter sent by U.S. Judge Robert Conrad, the director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, to Sen. Ted Cruz, who chairs the subcommittee.
Conrad claimed that allowing the judges to testify could violate ethics rules and “encroach upon the separation of powers,” according to the Daily Caller.
He cited judicial rule Canon 3A(6), which forbids judges from testifying about matters they have decided or that may be pending before them.
“The commentary to this provision explains that the ‘admonition against public comment about the merits of a pending or impending matter continues until the appellate process is complete,’” Conrad added.
Director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts Judge Robert Conrad cited part of the code of conduct stating a judge “should not make public comment on the merits of a matter pending or impending in any court.”
Cruz scheduled the hearing to examine possible impeachment proceedings against federal judges accused of overstepping their authority.
Boasberg is one of those judges, Republicans argue. He is facing impeachment threats from Rep. Brandon Gill, R-Texas,
Gill filed the articles of impeachment accusing Boasberg of abusing his “judicial authority” for approving Biden-era search warrants targeting Republican lawmakers and other conservative organizations part of the Jan. 6 investigation.
“Judge Boasberg was an accomplice in the egregious Arctic Frost scandal where he equipped the Biden DOJ to spy on Republican senators,” Gill wrote in a statement.
“His lack of integrity makes him clearly unfit for the gavel.”
Boardman is also facing impeachment efforts, this time from Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, over her lenient eight-year sentence for the convicted would-be assassin of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
Boardman cited the attacker’s declared transgender identity to justify sparing him from a harsher penalty.
“Boardman unequivocally based this weak sentence on the attempted assassin’s ‘gender identity,’ as the attempted assassin expressed that he views himself as a woman,” Roy wrote in a separate statement. “Instead of doing what the Judiciary calls for and sentencing this man to the base 30-year sentence recommended by the Department of Justice, Judge Boardman purposefully allowed this man off easy.”
WTI Holds Gains As Cushing ‘Tank Bottoms’ Loom; US Crude Production At Record High
Oil prices are higher this morning after API’s report showed crude inventories fell last week, while negotiations to end Russia’s war on Ukraine failed to reach an agreement.
Prices have stuck in a narrow range in recent weeks as geopolitical concerns have countered rising supply as OPEC+ returned 2.6-million barrels of production cuts to market amid increasing production outside of the cartel.
But a lack of progress in U.S.-led negotiations to reach a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia and the Trump Administration’s military build up off Venezuela continue to command a risk premium for the commodity.
“Traders weighed prospects for an end to the war in Ukraine while watching for Trump’s next moves on Venezuela. Ahead of today’s EIA report, the API said US crude stockpiles rose by 2.5 million barrels last week. Overall, Brent and WTI remain confined to tight ranges as ample global supply continues to offset geopolitical risk,” Saxo Bank noted.
Will the official data confirm API’s
API
Crude -2.48mm
Cushing -89k
Gasoline +3.1mm
Distillates +2.88mm
DOE
Crude +574k
Cushing -457k
Gasoline +4.518mm – biggest build since May
Distillates +2.059mm
The official report was delayed but once it hit, it showed a small crude build (as opposed to API’s reported draw). Products saw big builds (Gasoline largest weekly add since May) and Cushing stocks fell for the 4th straight week…
Source: Bloomberg
Cushing’s ongoing draws leave stocks near ‘tank bottoms’ once again…
Source: Bloomberg
US Crude production hovers near record highs despite the rapid decline in rig counts…
Source: Bloomberg
WTI is holding gains after the delayed data…
Source: Bloomberg
Geopolitical tensions are keeping the market jittery and adding a risk premium to prices, partly countering concerns about a surplus. That includes US rhetoric against Venezuela, with President Donald Trump suggesting the Pentagon will soon start targeting drug cartels with strikes on land.
“The Brent crude price remained roughly unchanged in the low $60s over the last week as Russia-Ukraine peace talks continue,” Goldman Sachs Group Inc. analysts including Yulia Grigsby said.
“Oil markets and prediction markets do not appear to price a large probability of a near-term peace agreement and removal of the sanctions on Russia oil.”
Grigsby also noted that overall levels of Russian oil exports have remained robust, even after US penalties on Lukoil and Rosneft, as sales rapidly pivoted to non-sanctioned producers.
On the bright side, the broadly weaker trend on crude oil prices has dragged gas (pump) prices down to their lowest since May 2021…
Source: Bloomberg
While it’s not exactly ‘drill, baby, drill’, it’s certainly what Trump wanted (the question is, will the lower price push shale producers to cut production… and round and round we go).
WTI Holds Gains As Cushing ‘Tank Bottoms’ Loom; US Crude Production At Record High
Oil prices are higher this morning after API’s report showed crude inventories fell last week, while negotiations to end Russia’s war on Ukraine failed to reach an agreement.
Prices have stuck in a narrow range in recent weeks as geopolitical concerns have countered rising supply as OPEC+ returned 2.6-million barrels of production cuts to market amid increasing production outside of the cartel.
But a lack of progress in U.S.-led negotiations to reach a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia and the Trump Administration’s military build up off Venezuela continue to command a risk premium for the commodity.
“Traders weighed prospects for an end to the war in Ukraine while watching for Trump’s next moves on Venezuela. Ahead of today’s EIA report, the API said US crude stockpiles rose by 2.5 million barrels last week. Overall, Brent and WTI remain confined to tight ranges as ample global supply continues to offset geopolitical risk,” Saxo Bank noted.
Will the official data confirm API’s
API
Crude -2.48mm
Cushing -89k
Gasoline +3.1mm
Distillates +2.88mm
DOE
Crude +574k
Cushing -457k
Gasoline +4.518mm – biggest build since May
Distillates +2.059mm
The official report was delayed but once it hit, it showed a small crude build (as opposed to API’s reported draw). Products saw big builds (Gasoline largest weekly add since May) and Cushing stocks fell for the 4th straight week…
Source: Bloomberg
Cushing’s ongoing draws leave stocks near ‘tank bottoms’ once again…
Source: Bloomberg
US Crude production hovers near record highs despite the rapid decline in rig counts…
Source: Bloomberg
WTI is holding gains after the delayed data…
Source: Bloomberg
Geopolitical tensions are keeping the market jittery and adding a risk premium to prices, partly countering concerns about a surplus. That includes US rhetoric against Venezuela, with President Donald Trump suggesting the Pentagon will soon start targeting drug cartels with strikes on land.
“The Brent crude price remained roughly unchanged in the low $60s over the last week as Russia-Ukraine peace talks continue,” Goldman Sachs Group Inc. analysts including Yulia Grigsby said.
“Oil markets and prediction markets do not appear to price a large probability of a near-term peace agreement and removal of the sanctions on Russia oil.”
Grigsby also noted that overall levels of Russian oil exports have remained robust, even after US penalties on Lukoil and Rosneft, as sales rapidly pivoted to non-sanctioned producers.
On the bright side, the broadly weaker trend on crude oil prices has dragged gas (pump) prices down to their lowest since May 2021…
Source: Bloomberg
While it’s not exactly ‘drill, baby, drill’, it’s certainly what Trump wanted (the question is, will the lower price push shale producers to cut production… and round and round we go).
Polar Vortex Threat Sends US NatGas Futs To Highest Level Since 2022
Update (1110ET):
U.S. natural gas futures jumped above $5 per MMBtu, the highest level since December 2022, as traders expect colder-than-normal temperatures across the Lower 48 in the first half of December.
Meteorologists, such as Mark Margavage, are focused on a polar vortex threat that could “dump the motherload of cold into Eastern North America in the coming weeks.”
U.S. natural gas futures spiked to their highest levels in nearly three years as models now show a frigid first half of December across the Lower 48. Several forecasters are also warning of a potential polar-vortex-driven Arctic blast event later this month, which could drive temperatures even lower.
Let’s begin with an unusual sight (for this time of year) of winter storm alerts across the Northeast on Tuesday morning.
🚨 WINTER STORM TODAY 🚨
Heavy snow (5-10″ expected) in the Interior Northeast & disruptive ice (up to 0.2″ accretion) in the Central Appalachians will make today’s commutes HAZARDOUS. The storm exits by Wednesday morning. pic.twitter.com/kkcnacF82O
NatGas futures are on track for their largest quarterly gain since the first quarter of 2022. Prices on Tuesday morning were trading near $5 per mmbtu, the highest level since December 2022. The rally is being fueled by a rapid shift toward colder early-December temperatures across the Midwest and East, which has boosted heating demand expectations.
Weather models turned colder across the eastern two-thirds of the country for Dec. 6 to 10, with additional cooling expected for Dec. 11 to 15. These forecasts merely reinforce expectations for a near-term spike in residential and commercial heating loads.
Meteorologist Ryan Maue warned on X that the stratospheric polar vortex over the North Pole is set for another warming event in about two weeks.
The stratospheric “polar vortex” above the North Pole is loading up yet another “sudden warming” event in 2-weeks.
After most extreme observed November SSW event, we’re hitting multiplier x2 — re-spinning the whole thing.
Meteorologist Judah Cohen stated, “IMO next PV stretch keeps cold train coming in Eastern US up to the holidays.”
The weather pattern is in “rinse, lather, repeat” mode or in #PolarVortex (PV) parlance, one good stretch deserves another. IMO next PV stretch keeps cold train coming in Eastern US up to the holidays. Also first ever N Hemisphere snowfall forecast in blog https://t.co/CGUOIWUvOOpic.twitter.com/v2rQz182wb
Greta Thunberg’s sudden pivot to all things Palestine and Bill Gates’ open acknowledgment that much of the climate-crisis narrative was overblown only reinforce what’s becoming obvious: the climate-crisis narrative has collapsed like a house of cards. And with the Northeast already plunged into an early-season chill, spare us … we could certaintly use a little “global warming” right about now.
Polar Vortex Threat Sends US NatGas Futs To Highest Level Since 2022
Update (1110ET):
U.S. natural gas futures jumped above $5 per MMBtu, the highest level since December 2022, as traders expect colder-than-normal temperatures across the Lower 48 in the first half of December.
Meteorologists, such as Mark Margavage, are focused on a polar vortex threat that could “dump the motherload of cold into Eastern North America in the coming weeks.”
U.S. natural gas futures spiked to their highest levels in nearly three years as models now show a frigid first half of December across the Lower 48. Several forecasters are also warning of a potential polar-vortex-driven Arctic blast event later this month, which could drive temperatures even lower.
Let’s begin with an unusual sight (for this time of year) of winter storm alerts across the Northeast on Tuesday morning.
🚨 WINTER STORM TODAY 🚨
Heavy snow (5-10″ expected) in the Interior Northeast & disruptive ice (up to 0.2″ accretion) in the Central Appalachians will make today’s commutes HAZARDOUS. The storm exits by Wednesday morning. pic.twitter.com/kkcnacF82O
NatGas futures are on track for their largest quarterly gain since the first quarter of 2022. Prices on Tuesday morning were trading near $5 per mmbtu, the highest level since December 2022. The rally is being fueled by a rapid shift toward colder early-December temperatures across the Midwest and East, which has boosted heating demand expectations.
Weather models turned colder across the eastern two-thirds of the country for Dec. 6 to 10, with additional cooling expected for Dec. 11 to 15. These forecasts merely reinforce expectations for a near-term spike in residential and commercial heating loads.
Meteorologist Ryan Maue warned on X that the stratospheric polar vortex over the North Pole is set for another warming event in about two weeks.
The stratospheric “polar vortex” above the North Pole is loading up yet another “sudden warming” event in 2-weeks.
After most extreme observed November SSW event, we’re hitting multiplier x2 — re-spinning the whole thing.
Meteorologist Judah Cohen stated, “IMO next PV stretch keeps cold train coming in Eastern US up to the holidays.”
The weather pattern is in “rinse, lather, repeat” mode or in #PolarVortex (PV) parlance, one good stretch deserves another. IMO next PV stretch keeps cold train coming in Eastern US up to the holidays. Also first ever N Hemisphere snowfall forecast in blog https://t.co/CGUOIWUvOOpic.twitter.com/v2rQz182wb
Greta Thunberg’s sudden pivot to all things Palestine and Bill Gates’ open acknowledgment that much of the climate-crisis narrative was overblown only reinforce what’s becoming obvious: the climate-crisis narrative has collapsed like a house of cards. And with the Northeast already plunged into an early-season chill, spare us … we could certaintly use a little “global warming” right about now.
With a changing economy, artificial intelligence (AI) replacing many jobs, and widespread unpreparedness for the job market, the time-honored tradition of tossing their caps in the air to celebrate earning their degrees and starting exciting new careers has turned into disappointment for many college graduates.
Statistics released by the Department of Labor on Nov. 20 show that 25 percent of the 7.6 million unemployed Americans in September held at least a bachelor’s degree.
With more than 1.9 million unemployed college graduates on the market, the September data show little or no change from that of August in major industries to which young degree-holders typically gravitate. These include financial activities, professional and business services, wholesale and retail trade, the federal government, and transportation.
The seasonally adjusted overall unemployment rate was 4.4 percent in September, while the rate for degree holders rose to 2.8 percent from 2.7 percent in August—well above the 2.3 percent recorded in September 2024.
Frustrated With Job Search
Stacey Cohen, author of Brand Up 2.0: Propel Your Early Career Success, has been working with college graduates, and even high school students, to prepare them for future careers.
“I’ve been talking with many recent graduates and a lot of them are frustrated and upset about not finding a job yet,” she told The Epoch Times. “They feel like they’ve worked so hard over the past four years and now nobody wants them.”
Cohen believes the current situation, with so many unemployed college graduates, could be the result of several factors, including a changing economy, AI replacing many entry-level jobs, and graduates who may be unprepared for the job market. “One graduate told me about sending hundreds of resumes out and not hearing back from anyone,” she said.
Cohen noted that some graduates she has counseled have taken side jobs—such as waitressing, golf caddying, or other temporary work—while continuing their search for a permanent position. “It’s better to have some job experience on your resume—you don’t want any big gaps in there,” she said.
A recent graduate with a B.A. in Business Administration was among many expressing frustration on online forums.
“Since graduating, I’ve submitted over 1,300 applications to white collar jobs with multiple iterations of a resume, and have only gotten one offer that required a relocation that I could not afford,” the post stated. “ I worked at McDonalds for a couple of months, but didn’t last long there.”
Another user was still seeking a job after graduating in June.
“I have done internships, projects, and even graduated with honors,” the post noted. “I can’t land a single job even though I’ve sent hundreds of applications. This whole job search has been taking a blow out of my self-esteem and it makes me feel like I worked hard for nothing.”
Biggest Hurdle in Job Hunt
Cohen, who is also CEO and founder of Co-Communications, a New York-based marketing firm, said that when it comes to the job hunt, the biggest hurdle is getting your resume in front of a human being.
“It’s not because they’re unqualified—it’s because so many companies now rely on AI filters to scan resumes before they’re even seen by human eyes,” she said. “Unfortunately, this is the new normal and what early career professionals are up against.”
Cohen suggested that job seekers take greater care by fully reading the job description and tailoring their resume to fit this changed hiring landscape by using the best keywords.
For example, Cohen noted, if someone has experience in social media promotions and the position calls for “social media content creation,” it’s important to use that exact phrase in the resume so it will be picked up by AI and, hopefully, seen by an interviewer.
“This means changing up your resume and cover letter for each potential job,” she said. “It’s a lot of work, but if you streamline your list, you can do it. Remember, it’s quality over quantity.”
Cohen has written and presented on topics ranging from optimizing a resume for algorithms to the importance of creating a LinkedIn profile and networking at business events.
“Graduates seeking employment should also attend business networking events with their parents—I see this all the time now,” she said. “Get to know the decision-makers and start to create your own contact lists.”
Cohen also recommended that parents support their children during the job search.
“Offer to run a mock interview or proofread a résumé, but more importantly, remind them that rejection is not a reflection of their worth,” she said. “It’s merely a signal to refine the strategy, not abandon the goal.”
Most importantly, she said, new graduates must be able to answer the simple question: “Why should we choose you?”
“A lot of these young people don’t realize what their superpower is and how to effectively communicate that,” she added. “Marketing yourself is just like marketing a product or service—let people know what makes you stand out from the rest.”
The Bigger Picture
Rachel Merritt, senior director of career services and employer development at Ancora Education, told The Epoch Times that Gen Z graduates’ concerns about the job market are indeed valid.
“AI is automating many of the basic, entry-level roles that used to help people get their foot in the door, so breaking in has become harder than in the past,” she said. “Also, many companies have experience requirements that most young adults haven’t had the chance to gain yet, so even roles that should be accessible often aren’t.”
Based in Arlington, Texas, Ancora Education offers technical training programs in health care, IT, business, and skilled trades.
Merritt noted that too often, college graduates are also faced with the financial pressure of repaying student loans and need money quickly. When such roles are not available, she noted, it makes them feel that the traditional college-to-career path is less reliable than it was for previous generations.
“This could delay promotions, salary growth, and major financial milestones like buying a house,” she added.
As a result, Merritt said, many younger people are now turning to skilled trades, health care, or technical certifications that can lead to jobs, higher starting salaries, and faster advancement.
A recent Resume Builder survey found that four in 10 Gen-Z college graduates were considering blue collar jobs for security.
“They have seen Millennials graduate from traditional college and be saddled with student loan debt and very few job opportunities,” Merritt said. “Trade schools have a much lower cost and higher [return on investment], a larger pool of open jobs and good starting wages.”
According to Merritt, Ancora has seen an influx of young people pursuing skilled trades training in HVAC, electrical work, welding, and plumbing. She said that Gen Zers are choosing paths that are in demand and offer faster entry into the workplace without years of debt from college expenses.
Opting for Smaller Colleges
Andrew Crapuchettes, CEO and founder of Idaho-based Red Balloon, one of the county’s largest job boards connecting employers with potential employees, told The Epoch Times that the shift toward blue collar jobs could have a substantial impact on colleges over the next 10 years.
“Based on the current unemployment situation for college grads, there seems to be a dramatic decrease in demand for college education today,” he said. “I’m predicting we could see hundreds of colleges actually go out of business over the next decade.”
According to Appily, a college locator website, there are currently more than 6,500 colleges across the United States, of which 1,995 are considered public universities. Of those, 1,626 are degree-granting.
The Education Data Initiative lists the average cost of a college education today at $38,270 per student, per year, including tuition, books, supplies, and daily living expenses. The data research organization indicates these costs have more than doubled since the beginning of the 21st century.
“Considering student loan interest and lost potential income, investing in a bachelor’s degree can ultimately cost in excess of $500,000,” the website states.
“There’s definitely a demographic shift, and I see more and more students deciding that a four-year degree just doesn’t make sense,” Crapuchettes said. “So many now are opting to go directly into the labor market.”
Except for physicians and other skilled medical professionals, attorneys, engineers, and other specialists, Crapuchettes believes there will be less need for white collar jobs in the future, but a growing need for trade jobs such as plumbers, electricians, steamfitters, auto service and solar panel technicians, heavy machinery operators, and others.
He noted that his company is seeing a mix of job openings across industries, ranging from biotech to hospitality and manufacturing. However, many employers are opting to hire graduates from smaller colleges instead of larger, well-known universities.
“Employers often tell me that they just want someone who wants to work and who doesn’t come in with a sense of entitlement,” Crapuchettes said.
For college graduates currently seeking a full-time position, Crapuchettes agrees that building a network is the most important step.
“They should get out and meet people, shake hands, and start building relationships,” he said.
With a changing economy, artificial intelligence (AI) replacing many jobs, and widespread unpreparedness for the job market, the time-honored tradition of tossing their caps in the air to celebrate earning their degrees and starting exciting new careers has turned into disappointment for many college graduates.
Statistics released by the Department of Labor on Nov. 20 show that 25 percent of the 7.6 million unemployed Americans in September held at least a bachelor’s degree.
With more than 1.9 million unemployed college graduates on the market, the September data show little or no change from that of August in major industries to which young degree-holders typically gravitate. These include financial activities, professional and business services, wholesale and retail trade, the federal government, and transportation.
The seasonally adjusted overall unemployment rate was 4.4 percent in September, while the rate for degree holders rose to 2.8 percent from 2.7 percent in August—well above the 2.3 percent recorded in September 2024.
Frustrated With Job Search
Stacey Cohen, author of Brand Up 2.0: Propel Your Early Career Success, has been working with college graduates, and even high school students, to prepare them for future careers.
“I’ve been talking with many recent graduates and a lot of them are frustrated and upset about not finding a job yet,” she told The Epoch Times. “They feel like they’ve worked so hard over the past four years and now nobody wants them.”
Cohen believes the current situation, with so many unemployed college graduates, could be the result of several factors, including a changing economy, AI replacing many entry-level jobs, and graduates who may be unprepared for the job market. “One graduate told me about sending hundreds of resumes out and not hearing back from anyone,” she said.
Cohen noted that some graduates she has counseled have taken side jobs—such as waitressing, golf caddying, or other temporary work—while continuing their search for a permanent position. “It’s better to have some job experience on your resume—you don’t want any big gaps in there,” she said.
A recent graduate with a B.A. in Business Administration was among many expressing frustration on online forums.
“Since graduating, I’ve submitted over 1,300 applications to white collar jobs with multiple iterations of a resume, and have only gotten one offer that required a relocation that I could not afford,” the post stated. “ I worked at McDonalds for a couple of months, but didn’t last long there.”
Another user was still seeking a job after graduating in June.
“I have done internships, projects, and even graduated with honors,” the post noted. “I can’t land a single job even though I’ve sent hundreds of applications. This whole job search has been taking a blow out of my self-esteem and it makes me feel like I worked hard for nothing.”
Biggest Hurdle in Job Hunt
Cohen, who is also CEO and founder of Co-Communications, a New York-based marketing firm, said that when it comes to the job hunt, the biggest hurdle is getting your resume in front of a human being.
“It’s not because they’re unqualified—it’s because so many companies now rely on AI filters to scan resumes before they’re even seen by human eyes,” she said. “Unfortunately, this is the new normal and what early career professionals are up against.”
Cohen suggested that job seekers take greater care by fully reading the job description and tailoring their resume to fit this changed hiring landscape by using the best keywords.
For example, Cohen noted, if someone has experience in social media promotions and the position calls for “social media content creation,” it’s important to use that exact phrase in the resume so it will be picked up by AI and, hopefully, seen by an interviewer.
“This means changing up your resume and cover letter for each potential job,” she said. “It’s a lot of work, but if you streamline your list, you can do it. Remember, it’s quality over quantity.”
Cohen has written and presented on topics ranging from optimizing a resume for algorithms to the importance of creating a LinkedIn profile and networking at business events.
“Graduates seeking employment should also attend business networking events with their parents—I see this all the time now,” she said. “Get to know the decision-makers and start to create your own contact lists.”
Cohen also recommended that parents support their children during the job search.
“Offer to run a mock interview or proofread a résumé, but more importantly, remind them that rejection is not a reflection of their worth,” she said. “It’s merely a signal to refine the strategy, not abandon the goal.”
Most importantly, she said, new graduates must be able to answer the simple question: “Why should we choose you?”
“A lot of these young people don’t realize what their superpower is and how to effectively communicate that,” she added. “Marketing yourself is just like marketing a product or service—let people know what makes you stand out from the rest.”
The Bigger Picture
Rachel Merritt, senior director of career services and employer development at Ancora Education, told The Epoch Times that Gen Z graduates’ concerns about the job market are indeed valid.
“AI is automating many of the basic, entry-level roles that used to help people get their foot in the door, so breaking in has become harder than in the past,” she said. “Also, many companies have experience requirements that most young adults haven’t had the chance to gain yet, so even roles that should be accessible often aren’t.”
Based in Arlington, Texas, Ancora Education offers technical training programs in health care, IT, business, and skilled trades.
Merritt noted that too often, college graduates are also faced with the financial pressure of repaying student loans and need money quickly. When such roles are not available, she noted, it makes them feel that the traditional college-to-career path is less reliable than it was for previous generations.
“This could delay promotions, salary growth, and major financial milestones like buying a house,” she added.
As a result, Merritt said, many younger people are now turning to skilled trades, health care, or technical certifications that can lead to jobs, higher starting salaries, and faster advancement.
A recent Resume Builder survey found that four in 10 Gen-Z college graduates were considering blue collar jobs for security.
“They have seen Millennials graduate from traditional college and be saddled with student loan debt and very few job opportunities,” Merritt said. “Trade schools have a much lower cost and higher [return on investment], a larger pool of open jobs and good starting wages.”
According to Merritt, Ancora has seen an influx of young people pursuing skilled trades training in HVAC, electrical work, welding, and plumbing. She said that Gen Zers are choosing paths that are in demand and offer faster entry into the workplace without years of debt from college expenses.
Opting for Smaller Colleges
Andrew Crapuchettes, CEO and founder of Idaho-based Red Balloon, one of the county’s largest job boards connecting employers with potential employees, told The Epoch Times that the shift toward blue collar jobs could have a substantial impact on colleges over the next 10 years.
“Based on the current unemployment situation for college grads, there seems to be a dramatic decrease in demand for college education today,” he said. “I’m predicting we could see hundreds of colleges actually go out of business over the next decade.”
According to Appily, a college locator website, there are currently more than 6,500 colleges across the United States, of which 1,995 are considered public universities. Of those, 1,626 are degree-granting.
The Education Data Initiative lists the average cost of a college education today at $38,270 per student, per year, including tuition, books, supplies, and daily living expenses. The data research organization indicates these costs have more than doubled since the beginning of the 21st century.
“Considering student loan interest and lost potential income, investing in a bachelor’s degree can ultimately cost in excess of $500,000,” the website states.
“There’s definitely a demographic shift, and I see more and more students deciding that a four-year degree just doesn’t make sense,” Crapuchettes said. “So many now are opting to go directly into the labor market.”
Except for physicians and other skilled medical professionals, attorneys, engineers, and other specialists, Crapuchettes believes there will be less need for white collar jobs in the future, but a growing need for trade jobs such as plumbers, electricians, steamfitters, auto service and solar panel technicians, heavy machinery operators, and others.
He noted that his company is seeing a mix of job openings across industries, ranging from biotech to hospitality and manufacturing. However, many employers are opting to hire graduates from smaller colleges instead of larger, well-known universities.
“Employers often tell me that they just want someone who wants to work and who doesn’t come in with a sense of entitlement,” Crapuchettes said.
For college graduates currently seeking a full-time position, Crapuchettes agrees that building a network is the most important step.
“They should get out and meet people, shake hands, and start building relationships,” he said.
