Economic expert Kyla Scanlon reveals how political agendas, not just financial factors, drive America’s economic challenges, urging greater public understanding and hope for a future where cooperation between workers and investors can rebuild fairness and trust.

In a compelling interview on The Daily Show in New York City earlier this year, economic commentator and author Kyla Scanlon peeled back the layers of America’s financial system to reveal a deeper truth: most economic problems are, at their core, political problems.

Scanlon, whose new book *In This Economy? How Money and Markets Really Work* has sparked fresh debates across the country, sat down with host Jon Stewart to discuss why understanding economics isn’t just for experts, but a vital tool for all citizens.

Scanlon explained how economic policy is often used as a political weapon, pointing to the controversial Medicaid cuts during the Trump administration under what was dubbed the “Big Beautiful Bill.”

“The government weaponized people,” she said, describing how political leaders framed vulnerable groups as scapegoats to justify harsh budget decisions.

“It wasn’t about economics as much as it was about controlling narratives and shifting blame.” This insight sheds new light on the intersection between politics and economic hardship faced by millions of Americans today.

Throughout the interview, Scanlon emphasized the urgent need to make economic education accessible to everyday people.

She argued that the complexity of money and markets should not intimidate the public but instead be demystified so individuals can better understand how their lives are affected by financial policies.

“If we want change, people have to be informed,” she told Stewart, highlighting her mission to break down jargon and present economics in relatable, clear terms.

One of the most striking parts of the discussion was Scanlon’s challenge to the long-held belief that labor and capital are inherently opposed.

“They don’t have to be mutually exclusive,” she insisted, envisioning a future where workers and investors collaborate toward shared prosperity.

This idea questions decades of economic thinking and offers a hopeful alternative to zero-sum struggles between employers and employees.

Despite the serious topics, the interview was infused with Stewart’s trademark humor, making the complex subject matter engaging and approachable.

Scanlon’s expertise combined with Stewart’s sharp wit created a dialogue that not only educated but inspired viewers to think critically about the economic forces at play.

Scanlon’s optimism was clear as she discussed movements gaining momentum across the country that could reshape economic policy and foster more fairness.

“There’s room for hope,” she said. “But it requires us to pay attention and participate.” Her book, released in early 2025, has been widely praised for its clarity and relevance, quickly becoming a reference for activists, educators, and policymakers alike.

The interview also briefly touched on current economic challenges including inflation, labor shortages, and market volatility, placing them in the context of broader political decisions.

Scanlon explained how these issues are often symptoms of political gridlock rather than purely economic failures. “The problems we face aren’t technical glitches,” she said. “They’re symptoms of choices made at the highest levels of power.”

This candid conversation comes at a critical moment as Americans grapple with economic uncertainty and seek answers beyond traditional economic textbooks.

Kyla Scanlon’s insights remind us that economics is inseparable from politics, and understanding this connection is essential for anyone hoping to influence the future of the nation’s economy.

By bridging the gap between expert analysis and public understanding, Scanlon is helping to transform how we think about money, markets, and power.

Her work challenges us to look past headlines and slogans to see the political roots of economic struggles—and to imagine a path forward where fairness and collaboration replace division and blame.