The Scoop: What the blue wave means for America’s economy

With Democrats poised to sweep into Washington with sizable (but not filibuster- or veto-proof) majorities, businesses are trying to figure out what happens next.

Successful Democrats ran on platforms stressing affordability, a desire for guardrails on AI data centers and development, and accountability for businesses and politicians.

While the Democratically controlled legislature certainly has the power to control the purse strings of the United States and to regulate businesses, they need the president’s approval to achieve anything. And many of Trump’s most controversial moves, including tariffs and the war in Iran, are difficult for Congress to control.

“We think policy uncertainty since the beginning of President Trump’s second term has been tied to executive, not legislative, action,” Morgan Stanley analysts wrote, as reported by CNBC. “Policies on tariffs, geopolitics, trade … deregulation, and export controls are all likely to persist, meaning we should expect a certain level of policy uncertainty to continue.”

One of Congress’ most powerful abilities — and most damaging in the public sphere — is the ability to hold investigations and Congressional hearings. Especially of note is Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts becoming chairman of the Senate Banking Committee. Warren has signaled that her early targets will include private equity, cryptocurrency and prediction markets.

Similarly, you can expect big tech, which grew cozy with the Trump administration in his second term, to face investigations on a variety of issues, ranging from AI guardrails to social media’s impact on children to its dealings with the presidential administration.

Why it matters: The newly blue Congress will change a lot. But it won’t change everything.

Companies should be wary of big swings in public expressions. Those who retreated from celebrations of DEI, Pride celebrations and green promises should not immediately start flying rainbow flags and showing off their LEED certifications. The public and Congress can both smell desperation and wild swings between one party’s priorities and the next.

Rather, the play here is to keep the focus on the things that truly mattered to the people in this election: affordability, fair dealings and caution with AI. Ideally your organization was already adhering to these principles, which are just good business and good ethics. But if there were areas where the pendulum swung far in one direction, this is the moment to pull it back — carefully, gradually, thoughtfully and with an eye to the people as much as the politicians. After all, an election is an expression of public sentiment. PR professionals should listen.

Expect more anti-tech rhetoric from Democrats into 2028

Let’s dive a little deeper into one specific aspect of the election and then we’ll move onto other topics.

Tech backlash was a major driving force of this election cycle. Americans of all parties were united by anti-data center sentiment. Concerns about AI usurping middle class jobs continues to be a major cause for worry. And general anger at the billionaire class who control the tech industry reached a boiling point.

It was all a potent message for Democrats.

“I think that this is definitely about the loss of control that people have,” Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), told POLITICO. “There’s deep anxiety, not just over the cost of living, but about whether people can have an aspiration in America again.”

Democrats haven’t yet coalesced around a single message or policy to pursue when it comes to combatting these fears, but their success in the midterms shows that the general messaging worked.

Whether or not you work in the tech industry, this is a warning sign. People are afraid and they are angry. AI is not seen as a universal good. Companies must show responsible usage, concern for jobs and the environment. And they must communicate this and back it up with action. One without the other will fail.

Salon shutters after 31 years

Digital publisher Salon announced that it will end publication.

“The business realities of independent digital journalism have changed profoundly over the years,” the site wrote in a letter. “After careful consideration, we have reached the difficult decision that our publishing model is no longer sustainable. We know this news will be deeply disappointing to many of you, and we share that sadness.”

It’s always a sad day when a news outlet closes its doors — and it’s becoming so common. With social media deprioritizing links to journalism and SEO shriveling in favor of AEO, expect more digital only sites to flounder as the options for discoverability decrease.

Elizabeth Holmes docudrama skyrockets obscure jerky brand to fame

Let’s have some lighter news. The new documentary “You Can See Everything” takes viewers inside the weird world of convicted fraudster Elizabeth Holmes. The buzzy film has also made an unlikely star of Think Jerky, an Austin-based brand Holmes enjoyed in a Texas federal prison.

According to the Wall Street Journal, sales of its turkey honey sriracha brand (Holmes’ favorite) jumped 345%, representing an extra $25,000 for the small brand. The company is tiny, with just four full-time employees and four contractors.

This is the kind of lightning in a bottle moment that money can’t buy. The hardest part is taking advantage of that moment. Right now, Think Jerky founder Ricky Hirsch is trying to capitalize — but responsibly and sustainably. Currently mostly available in specialty stores and hotel gift shops (and, apparently, prison vending machines), Hirsch is contacting stores to let them know of the jerky’s big moment — and offering them tickets to see the film.

It’s a strange twist for a small brand, but moving quickly yet with an eye to sustainability is always the way to go. Good luck!

Allison Carter is editorial director of PR Daily and Ragan.com. Follow her on LinkedIn.