By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Despite widespread negative polling data and criticisms, Donald Trump maintained that his spending bill, which adds trillions to the national debt, is highly popular due to its tax cuts. He dismissed the negative poll numbers as partisan, even though numerous reputable polls showed poor approval ratings. The bill has faced significant criticism, including from former ally Elon Musk, who called it an “abomination.” In response to Musk’s criticisms, Trump threatened actions against Musk’s companies, potentially involving the Department of Government Efficiency, and hinted at the possibility of his deportation.
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Trump Scrambles to Defend His Megabill After Savage Polling? Hold on a minute.
The idea that Donald Trump is “scrambling” to defend anything feels a bit…off, doesn’t it? The overall sentiment is that the bill is passed, and Trump has already won. A lot of the discussion points to a sense of inevitability, and a feeling that the current administration is operating outside the bounds of traditional political constraints. Why scramble when you already have the power you want? The tone suggests that whatever the polling says, the outcome is already decided.
Let’s be frank: many people feel this bill is a disaster, and it seems that includes even some conservatives who are taking issue with the debt it creates, and who can clearly see that the tax cuts are a big nothing burger. This is not something the bill’s supporters would want the masses to know. The underlying feeling is that the media is normalizing fascism, while the administration uses ICE to build a personal army.
It’s pretty clear that the bill is seen as a giveaway to the wealthy, and a detriment to everyone else. There’s a widespread belief that “hard-working Americans don’t want their money stolen from them and handed to billionaires.” The outrage is palpable. The conversation suggests this administration has little regard for public opinion. It’s there for the long run, for better or worse.
The focus turns to the consequences of this bill, especially with the increased power of the ICE. It’s being framed as a “Sturmabteilung,” a personal force that can be used to intimidate and control. The concern here is not just about the bill itself, but the potential for its abuse. The increased funding for ICE, the implications are far-reaching, with some speculating on the possibility of it being used for purposes beyond its original mandate.
The frustration with the media is clear. It’s seen as not only ineffectual in holding the administration accountable, but also complicit in normalizing what is perceived as dangerous behavior. The articles themselves are criticized for being sensationalist. The perception is that the media is simply stirring up a sense of anger, giving a false sense of victory, while not actually doing anything to stop the situation.
There’s a deep skepticism about the power of elections to change anything. The view is that “midterms or the next presidential election cycle aren’t going to change something.” This speaks to a broader disillusionment with the political system and a belief that the current administration has consolidated enough power to be unassailable. The administration is framed as immune to public pressure. The sense is that the game is rigged.
The overall picture paints a disturbing portrait of a government unchecked, unresponsive, and potentially tyrannical. The sentiment is one of resignation and a sense of despair.