A dynamic and insightful speaker and author, Jeff Bush is known for his unique ability to translate difficult and confusing information coming out of Washington D.C. into winning growth strategies for business owners, executives, and high-networth investors. The Washington Update is widely considered the financial industry’s NONPARTISAN experts on all things Washington. Founded by Andy Friedman in 2008, Jeff is now the principal of the firm.
Jeff presents more than 200 times yearly in the US and abroad to a client base that includes a who’s who list of fortune 500 firms from Wall Street to Main Street and everywhere in between.
Jeff frequently appears on CNBC’s Nightly Business Report, is featured in various industry publications, including Investment News, ThinkAdvisor, Wealth Management, Wealth Solutions Report, and a guest on POTUS Sirius/XM Radio.
While Jeff is best known as a keynote speaker, he has shared the stage with many notables, including prior Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Federal Reserve, Ben Bernanke and Stanley Fischer, Ron Insana, a reporter for Market Score Board and former Senior CNBC Analyst, Consuelo Mack, host of Wealth Track, Jeffrey Applegate, CIO for Morgan Stanley, Robert Reynolds President and CEO of Putnam Investments, and John Theil, former Vice Chairman of Global Wealth Management at Bank of America.
Jeff is a 30+ year veteran of the financial industry. By the end of his career on Wall Street, he managed a $50+ billion sales organization. Before that, Jeff was the youngest managing partner in the 150-year history of The New England Financial.
Jeff holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration/Management with an emphasis in Accounting, Computers, and Philosophy from William Jewell College.
Jeff’s dedication, forward-thinking, and strategic abilities have resulted in performance records, industry awards, and industry accolades.
Bullets:
• Non-Partisan analysis of what’s happening in DC through the lens of a 30+ year veteran of the financial services industry.
• May have seen on CNBC, PBS, or heard on the POTUS channel on Sirius/XM Radio.
• Shared the stage with many notables from Fed Chair and Vice Chairs Bernanke and Fischer to Robert Reynold, President, and CEO of Putnam Investments.
• Aviation enthusiast flies his own aircraft to speaking engagements around the country.
As 2026 unfolds, Washington is navigating the midpoint of President Trump’s second term and facing one of the most consequential legislative years in recent memory. With the 2025 “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OB3) now law, Congress and the Treasury are working through its technical corrections and implementation rules. Any of these may impact investors’ planning decisions.
Jeff explains how these simultaneous fiscal and political pressures are influencing markets, investor confidence, and the advice that professional advisors provide to their clients.
Key Developments in 2026
1. Election-Year Positioning and Market Sentiment: The 2026 midterm elections will decide control of Congress and influence the next phase of fiscal policy. Jeff explains how the political narrative, campaign themes, and polling trends could impact market behavior and investor psychology over the next year. He’ll also share his election predictions.
2. Tax Code Transition: The centerpiece of Washington’s 2026 agenda remains tax policy. The Republicans are considering a second tax bill that frames the election issues of 2026: affordability and healthcare. Jeff shares his insights into potential changes and considerations for investors.
3. Fiscal Policy and Deficit Trends: While the FY26 budget deadline looms early in the year, the national debt remains at the forefront of fiscal debates. Jeff explains how increased spending, entitlement challenges, and fluctuations in Treasury yields could impact market stability and investment prospects through 2026 and beyond.
4. Regulatory and Trade Changes: Washington’s use of executive authority in trade and tariffs—especially with China, Mexico, and the EU—remains a key factor in sector performance. Jeff highlights the industries most affected and explains the broader impacts on inflation, manufacturing, and global capital flows.
5. Retirement and Social Security Reform: While major Social Security reforms are unlikely before the 2026 elections, gradual adjustments to retirement savings incentives may occur under a SECURE Act 3.0 initiative. Jeff discusses what financial professionals should expect from possible changes to RMD ages, catch-up contributions, and Roth account rules if the effort gains traction.
In his Washington Update, Jeff Bush delivers a nonpartisan, comprehensive review of Washington DC policy, legislation, and regulation affecting investors, financial advisors, and business leaders, built on his 30+ years of experience in the financial services and political analysis industries.
After the Republican sweep in the 2024 elections, Congress entered a new legislative activity phase. While budgetary struggles and election-focused compromises marked the previous year, 2025 begins with a renewed emphasis on tax reform and spending policy. Jeff predicts heightened market volatility as the new Congress faces several fiscal deadlines and ongoing challenges to address budgetary policy effectively.
With the expiration of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act imminent, Jeff outlines time-sensitive tax planning opportunities. He provides critical insights into the potential outcomes of tax reform negotiations and their broader impact on business owners, executives, and individual savers. A new tax bill, likely to pass in 2025, will define the nation’s tax and spending priorities for years.
Key Developments in 2025:
1. 2024 Election Shift:
With the Republican sweep of the White House, Senate, and House of Representatives, the party now pivots toward implementing its legislative and government overhaul agendas. Jeff explains how election outcomes will influence policy directions and investor sentiment in 2025.
2. Budget and Fiscal Policy:
Following the narrow bipartisan bills of 2024, Congress faces intensified pressure to address long-term fiscal challenges. The budget debate will continue to dominate the political landscape, shaping legislative priorities and influencing market trends. The newly created Department of Government Efficiency will be central to this effort.
3. Tax Reform:
Jeff highlights the expected changes resulting from the expiration of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, focusing on the implications for individuals and businesses. His presentation helps audiences understand potential tax code adjustments and their significance for financial planning.
4. US-China Relations:
Regulatory and legislative attention on the US-China relationship remains a critical factor affecting global markets. Jeff explains how these dynamics impact key industries and investment strategies.
5. Social Security and Retirement Planning, SECURE Act 3.0:
Social Security reform is expected to take a back seat amid debates on fiscal sustainability. Jeff provides actionable insights for investors planning around potential changes to retirement benefits contained in an expected SECURE Act
3.0 effort in 2025.
About the Presenter:
Jeff Bush’s unique insights help investors and financial advisors navigate the ever-changing landscape emanating from Washington. His presentation combines political and economic analysis with specific investment, wealth transfer, and retirement planning strategies.