Key Takeaways:

• President Trump claims tariffs boosted the U.S. economy.
• A new report says his trade policies are harming growth.
• The U.S. economy is expected to slow down this year.
• Global trade and jobs will take a hit, experts warn.
• Some Republicans are worried about the impact of tariffs.

Trump’s Boasts About the Economy Clash With New Report President Donald Trump recently boasted about the economy on his Truth Social platform, claiming that his tariffs are making the economy boom. However, a new report from the Paris-based OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) tells a different story. The report suggests that Trump’s trade policies are actually hurting the economy.

Trump wrote, “Because of Tariffs, our Economy is BOOMING!” He also reposted a message about producing U.S.-made metal, energy, and steel. But the OECD’s analysis, first reported by Bloomberg, shows that things aren’t as great as Trump claims.

The Economic Reality Check The OECD report reveals that the global economy is expected to slow down this year. It predicts that economic growth will drop from 3.3% in 2024 to 2.9% this year. The U.S. will be hit even harder, with growth falling from 2.8% last year to just 1.6% this year.

The main reasons for this slowdown? Rising trade costs from Trump’s tariffs and growing uncertainty among businesses and consumers. These tariffs, which are like taxes on imported goods, have made it harder for countries to trade with each other.

What’s Wrong with Tariffs? Trump’s tariffs were meant to boost U.S. production and create jobs. But the OECD says they’ve done the opposite. Higher tariffs have increased prices for businesses and consumers, making it harder for companies to grow.

The report also warns that lower growth and less trade will lead to slower job growth and lower incomes. In short, the tariffs that Trump bragged about are making life harder for people and businesses worldwide.

Global economic prospects have weakened, with almost no exceptions. Lower growth and less trade will hit incomes and slow job growth. — Alvaro Pereira, OECD Chief Economist

Tariffs Rolled Back, But Problems Remain While some of Trump’s tariffs have been temporarily reduced, they are still much higher than before he took office. This has economists worried.

Some investors even joke about Trump’s policies, calling them “TACO” (Trump Always Chickens Out). This nickname suggests that while Trump talks tough, he often backs down when things get tough.

Despite this, tariffs remain high, and economists fear they could lead to not just slower growth but even a full-blown recession.

Republicans Start to Worry Even some Republicans are getting concerned about Trump’s tariffs. While they agree with the goal of boosting U.S. production, they’re seeing the negative effects on the economy.

As the economic outlook darkens, Trump’s claims about a booming economy are looking less and less believable. The OECD’s report is just the latest sign that his trade policies are backfiring.

The Bottom Line Trump’s boasts about the economy don’t match the reality on the ground. The OECD’s report shows that his tariffs are slowing growth, hurting jobs, and making life harder for people and businesses.

For now, the economy is stuck in a tough spot, and Trump’s policies are making things worse. Only time will tell if the U.S. can recover from the damage done by these trade wars.

GOP Medicaid Cuts Spark Outrage as New Ad Targets Vulnerable Lawmaker

Key Takeaways:

• A new ad campaign criticizes Rep. Don Bacon for supporting Medicaid cuts.
• The ad features Audrey, a Nebraska woman, whose grandchildren rely on Medicaid.
• The GOP budget plan cuts $700 billion from Medicaid over a decade.
• Critics argue these cuts will harm millions of families and children.
• The Senate will decide the fate of the controversial bill.

New Ad Calls Out Republican Lawmaker for Medicaid Cuts

A new ad airing in Nebraska is calling out Rep. Don Bacon for his support of a plan that could cut Medicaid for millions of Americans. The ad is part of a nationwide campaign to highlight the impact of these cuts on families.

Who’s Behind the Ad?

The ad features Audrey, a Nebraska grandmother. Audrey shares how her step-daughter and three grandchildren depend on Medicaid for healthcare. She says, “It’s important that we continue to have Medicaid — it’s lifesaving. But Congressman Don Bacon doesn’t act like it. He’s cutting Medicaid to give tax breaks to big corporations and billionaires.”

Audrey emphasizes that without Medicaid, her grandkids would lose access to healthcare, immunizations, and other essential services. She calls it “very important” and something that shouldn’t be taken away to fund tax breaks for the wealthy.

The Controversial Budget Plan

Late last month, Rep. Don Bacon voted for a budget plan that includes over $700 billion in Medicaid cuts over the next ten years. The plan also adds work reporting requirements that could remove health insurance from as many as 14 million people.

Analysts warn these cuts would harm low-income families, children, and people with disabilities who rely on Medicaid. Before voting, Bacon had said he wouldn’t support cuts over $500 billion. However, he ultimately backed the plan, which includes much deeper cuts.

Reaction to Bacon’s Vote

Kobie Christian of the Unrig Our Economy coalition, which is running the ad campaign, criticized Bacon’s decision. “Nebraska families like Audrey’s have been struggling to afford healthcare for years, and Congressman Bacon decided it was a good idea to vote for the largest cut to Medicaid in American history,” Christian said.

Christian added, “Congressman Bacon didn’t just vote to rip away healthcare from children and families. He voted to hand that money to millionaires and billionaires. Congressman Bacon had a choice — and he chose billionaires over working families like Audrey’s.”

What’s Next for the Bill?

The budget plan is now in the hands of the GOP-controlled Senate. Senators are expected to make changes before sending it back to the House for final approval. However, it’s unclear if Republican senators will soften the harsh cuts to Medicaid.

Some Senate Republicans, like Josh Hawley of Missouri, have expressed concerns about cutting Medicaid benefits. Hawley recently said President Trump told him, “NO MEDICAID BENEFIT CUTS.” But Hawley still supports work requirements for Medicaid, which experts say are unfair and ineffective. Most Medicaid recipients already work, and these requirements could strip healthcare from millions of eligible people.

Tony Carrk of the watchdog group Accountable.US said, “Let’s see if Senator Hawley, President Trump, and other Republican senators who’ve shunned Medicaid cuts practice what they preach. If they are a ‘no’ on Medicaid cuts, then they can’t support any version of the current reconciliation bill that slashes healthcare for millions of Americans.”

Why This Matters

The debate over Medicaid cuts is heating up as the 2026 elections approach. Lawmakers like Rep. Don Bacon, who is considered vulnerable in his reelection bid, are facing increasing scrutiny for their votes on this issue. Advocacy groups are hoping to draw attention to the potential harm of these cuts and hold lawmakers accountable.

For families like Audrey’s, the stakes are personal. Medicaid is a lifeline that provides essential healthcare services. If these cuts go through, millions of Americans could lose access to the care they need.

As the Senate debates the budget plan, one thing is clear: the future of Medicaid — and the health of millions — hangs in the balance.

Key Takeaways:

• Modern autocrats use spin and media control instead of violence.
• Leaders like Trump show similar tactics, but the U.S. has strong checks and balances.
• Strong institutions are key to protecting democracy.
• Americans must stay vigilant to preserve their democratic system.

Rise of Spin Dictators: How Modern Autocrats Rule Without Terror

A new kind of authoritarian leader has emerged. They look nothing like the brutal dictators of the past. Instead, they wear suits, hold elections, and claim to defend democracy—all while quietly undermining it.

What Is Modern Authoritarianism?

Modern autocrats don’t rule by fear or violence. Instead, they use spin, propaganda, and control of media to shape public opinion. They call themselves protectors of the nation, claiming to defend it from imaginary threats.

For example, Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has won elections but undermined democracy. He packed courts with loyalists, took over media, and targeted universities. Yet, he avoids violence, preferring to discredit critics without jailing them.

How Does This Compare to the U.S.?

President Donald Trump has faced criticism for actions that resemble authoritarian tactics. He attacked the media, defied court rulings, and admires strongmen like Putin. However, the U.S. system is much stronger.

America’s Constitution, independent courts, and vocal Civil Society make it hard for any leader to become a dictator. However, the rise of spin dictatorships worldwide should remind Americans to stay alert.

Why Does This Matter?

Democracy isn’t automatic. It relies on institutions like courts, media, and voters to hold leaders accountable. Countries with weak systems are at risk.

While the U.S. is safe for now, understanding how modern autocrats work can help Americans protect their democracy. Stay informed, support independent media, and demand accountability.

Final Thought:

The rise of spin dictatorships is a global trend. By learning how they operate, Americans can better guard their democratic system. Democracy is worth fighting for—let’s make sure it thrives.

Key Takeaways:

• Legal experts warn the U.S. Supreme Court is too often stepping into cases involving former President Donald Trump.
• The Court sometimes rules against Trump but often in ways that expand presidential power.
• Experts say the Court’s decisions sometimes bend the law to favor Trump.
• This trend could hurt the Court’s reputation and lead to bigger political conflicts.

The Supreme Court and Trump: A Troubling Pattern

The U.S. Supreme Court has been getting involved in cases tied to Donald Trump a lot lately. While the Court doesn’t always side with him, legal experts say the pattern is still worrying.

Dahlia Lithwick and Mark Joseph Stern, who follow the Court closely, recently talked about this. They pointed out that the justices seem to be giving more power to the presidency while also trying to stop Trump’s most extreme actions.

What’s really concerning, Stern said, is how often the Court jumps into these Trump-related disputes. “It’s not just that they’re always on Trump’s side,” he noted, “but they’re doing it way too often for comfort.”

The Shadow Docket: A Powerful Tool

One big issue is the Court’s use of the “shadow docket.” This is a way for the Court to make quick decisions without fully explaining its reasoning.

Stern explained that when the Court uses this process, it doesn’t just focus on what the law says is right or wrong. Instead, it considers vague factors like “balance of the equities” and “irreparable harm.” These terms are like squishy clay the Court can shape to justify decisions that help Trump—even if they don’t follow the law.

For example, the Court recently ruled that leaders of two independent agencies had to stay fired while their cases were in court. Justice Elena Kagan disagreed strongly, saying the Court misapplied the law. Lithwick noted that in this same case, the Court threw out a 90-year-old precedent without explaining why.

Emergencies: A Matter of Feelings

Lithwick and Stern also talked about how the Court handles emergencies. Lithwick said it’s like a “feelings ball.” The justices rely on hunches and whether they think one side’s emergency claims are more legitimate.

Stern agreed. He said the Court is using inconsistent standards when deciding these cases. Meanwhile, the justices try to act like they’re humble and nonpartisan, even as public trust in the Court is dropping.

Things have gotten heated. Some justices are even calling lower court judges “hacks” for standing in Trump’s way. Stern wonders how this will affect the Court’s legitimacy, especially as Trump keeps pushing the limits of what the Court can control.

The Erosion of Public Trust

Lithwick thinks the justices are trying to avoid direct confrontations with Trump by making as few big decisions as possible. But she believes this clash is inevitable.

She said, “As these emergencies keep piling up, the justices will find it harder to stay out of sight or act like they’re not taking sides.” She and Stern have been asking when a full-blown constitutional crisis might happen. That would occur if the Court orders something and the administration simply refuses to obey.

Lithwick added, “We’re not quite there yet, but the justices can’t keep their image and reputation intact by being unclear or avoiding big decisions. At some point, they’ll become irrelevant if they don’t step up.”

A Looming Constitutional Crisis

The Supreme Court is walking a tightrope. On one hand, it’s trying to limit Trump’s most extreme actions. On the other, it’s expanding presidential power in ways that worry legal experts.

The justices are also dealing with a growing lack of trust from the public. As they struggle to balance these challenges, one thing is clear: the Court’s reputation and legitimacy are on the line.

The big question now is whether the Court can find a way to restore trust and fairness or if it will become another casualty of the political battles of the Trump era.

In the end, the Supreme Court’s role in these Trump-related cases is raising red flags. Legal experts warn that the Court’s actions could stocking a constitutional crisis—and the stakes couldn’t be higher.