The centerpiece of President Donald Trump’s second-term legislative agenda is poised to add more than $2.4 trillion to the national debt over the next decade, according to recent projections by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the nonpartisan congressional analysts. This significant price tag has drawn considerable scrutiny, especially following criticisms from notable figures like Elon Musk. Musk, who recently stepped down as head of the cost-cutting U.S. DOGE Service, described the sweeping legislation as “a disgusting abomination.”
Despite the backlash, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-South Dakota) expressed unwavering support, stating, “we’re going to proceed full speed ahead.” Thune emphasized the goal of having the bill on Trump’s desk by July 4, indicating a commitment to push the ambitious agenda forward. On the same day, President Trump was also engaged in discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin and had plans to sign proclamations at the White House.
In a notable attempt to bridge the gap, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) revealed his effort to reach out to Elon Musk for a conversation after Musk’s critical remarks regarding Trump’s expansive tax and immigration proposal. Johnson noted, “I hope to talk to him today. We’re very friendly, and we’ve laughed about our differences on policy before. I’m not upset about this… I think he understands.”
As the political landscape shifts, many are keenly following the developments within the Trump administration. Live updates track President Trump’s progress on campaign promises and the various legal challenges confronting his executive orders and actions.
In economic news, China and the United States have agreed to lower tariffs on goods exchanged between the two countries for a duration of 90 days. However, Trump’s existing 10 percent “universal” tariff on all imports remains intact. This decision to ease tariffs on China comes amidst ongoing trade relations and negotiations.
As President Trump navigates his first 100 days, he faces growing opposition to his ambitious and often controversial agenda. According to a recent Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll, Trump’s approval rating is on the decline. Nevertheless, his team remains undeterred, as evidenced by a comprehensive analysis of Trump’s first 100 days captured in 10 insightful charts.
In a significant move, the Trump administration has terminated $450 million in federal funding to Harvard University. This decision is part of an ongoing battle between the administration and the prestigious Ivy League institution. Harvard has responded by suing the Trump administration after it froze over $2 billion in federal funding, following the school’s refusal to implement extensive changes to its governance, admissions, and hiring practices.
Additionally, the Trump administration continues its efforts to downsize the federal government, resulting in the elimination of thousands of jobs across various agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services, USAID, IRS, Social Security Administration, Education Department, Defense Department, National Weather Service, and National Park Service. This reduction in workforce underscores the administration’s commitment to streamlining government operations and reducing expenditure.
