Promises Made, Promises Broken
It was always about social security
Amid all the noise about a likely, potential, probable shutdown it is worth noting that the Republicans have finally admitted how they plan to square their promises of 2 trillion in cuts. Per Punchbowl News (via The Guardian) they plan to cut 2.5tn from Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security and other “mandatory programs”. Exactly the things Trump (but not Musk or Greene) promised would be protected.
Trump’s promises, as always, are worth little.
Very smart people (e.g. Paul Krugman) have scoffed that the promised cuts were unrealistic because most of the spending is “mandatory” but it is clear, indeed it has always been clear, that the goal would be cutting social security so they can cut their taxes.
Trump has always promised contradictory things. When faced with the conflict he has always prioritized himself, then other rich people, over everyone and everything else. He and President Musk will do so again. He is already planning to try.