In a fervent campaign against President Donald Trump’s signature tax bill, Elon Musk has unleashed a flurry of criticisms on his social media platform, X. Over the past day, Musk has actively engaged his staggering 220 million followers, urging them to take immediate action. In a striking post, Musk implores citizens to contact their lawmakers, declaring, “Call your Senator, Call your Congressman, Bankrupting America is NOT ok! KILL the BILL.”
Despite growing opposition from Musk, a prominent billionaire donor, White House officials assert that Trump remains steadfast in his determination to push the spending and tax bill through the US Senate. The bill, according to a congressional budget office analysis, threatens to exacerbate the national debt by an alarming $2.4 trillion over the next decade. This analysis estimates a decrease in federal revenues by $3.67 trillion, offset by a spending cut of $1.25 trillion through 2034, with the national debt already towering at $36 trillion.
Amidst this economic debate, Trump has enacted a sweeping travel ban, preventing entry into the United States from 12 specific countries and restricting travel from seven others. This move revives and expands bans from his first term, fully restricting nationals from nations including Afghanistan, Iran, and Yemen, while partially limiting entry from countries like Cuba and Venezuela.
In a political maneuver aimed at his predecessor, Trump has initiated an inquiry into President Joe Biden’s actions, alleging that Biden’s aides have concealed signs of cognitive decline. Trump describes this as a perilous scandal, suggesting that the American public was misled about the true wielders of executive power.
Furthermore, Trump has targeted foreign student visas at Harvard University, signing a proclamation to suspend entry for new Harvard students on student visas. This action is part of an ongoing dispute between the Trump administration and the prestigious academic institution, underscoring Trump’s belief that foreign students should harbor love for the United States.
In the realm of immigration enforcement, senior ICE officials have directed officers to intensify their activities, even without warrants. Internal agency emails reveal instructions to arrest individuals labeled as “collaterals,” signaling a shift in enforcement strategy.
On the trade front, Trump’s administration has doubled tariffs on foreign steel and aluminum imports to 50%, a move aimed at revitalizing the American industry despite criticism from key trading partners.
Finally, the Department of Education has escalated a dispute with Columbia University, alleging a violation of federal anti-discrimination laws. This accusation implies that Columbia has failed to meet accreditation standards, potentially affecting federal student loans and grants.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon remains uncertain about the status of Black history lessons within policy guidelines, amid the Trump administration’s broader challenges to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
