Trump Is Only Part of the Problem
Published in Der Standard
(Austria) on 2 July 2025
by Manuela Honsig-Erlenburg (link to original)
(Austria) on 2 July 2025
by Manuela Honsig-Erlenburg (link to original)
Translated from
by Peter Carioca.
Edited by Patricia Simoni.
With the biggest bottom-up redistribution program seen in decades in the U.S., the true face of Trumpism is clearly visible to all, one which shamelessly exploits weakness in the system.
Donald Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill, as it is known, was approved by the Senate on Tuesday with a close majority (and may no longer carry this infantile name in the future). Approval from the House of Representatives is more than likely*. Chuck Schumer, Minority Leader of the U.S. Senate, summed it up: In reality, the large tax legislation package is a "big, ugly betrayal" of American voters.
It provides massive spending for strong immigration policies and rearmament, as well as drastic social cuts. Millions of lower-income Americans could lose their health insurance and their eligibility for food aid. In return, the law contains tax breaks for wealthy people, property owners and companies.
Interests of the Rich
American citizens also view this critically. According to polls, including those in the conservative media, only about 30% are in favor of the proposal. This law shows the true face of Trumpism more clearly than ever. Trump and his yes men are making policies for their own interests, the interests of the rich and investors who finance election campaigns.
But, although Trumpism is the most obvious problem with U.S. democracy, there are underlying structural problems. One: Rules for campaign financing are almost nonexistent, leading to U.S. laws — more often than not — reflecting the priorities of the rich rather than those of the general public.
*Editor's Note: The Big Beautiful Bill Act was approved by the House on July 2, and signed into law by President Trump July 4.
Donald Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill, as it is known, was approved by the Senate on Tuesday with a close majority (and may no longer carry this infantile name in the future). Approval from the House of Representatives is more than likely*. Chuck Schumer, Minority Leader of the U.S. Senate, summed it up: In reality, the large tax legislation package is a "big, ugly betrayal" of American voters.
It provides massive spending for strong immigration policies and rearmament, as well as drastic social cuts. Millions of lower-income Americans could lose their health insurance and their eligibility for food aid. In return, the law contains tax breaks for wealthy people, property owners and companies.
Interests of the Rich
American citizens also view this critically. According to polls, including those in the conservative media, only about 30% are in favor of the proposal. This law shows the true face of Trumpism more clearly than ever. Trump and his yes men are making policies for their own interests, the interests of the rich and investors who finance election campaigns.
But, although Trumpism is the most obvious problem with U.S. democracy, there are underlying structural problems. One: Rules for campaign financing are almost nonexistent, leading to U.S. laws — more often than not — reflecting the priorities of the rich rather than those of the general public.
*Editor's Note: The Big Beautiful Bill Act was approved by the House on July 2, and signed into law by President Trump July 4.
Previous article![]( "Canada Must Match the Tax Incentives in Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’")
Next article![]( "Jędrzej Bielecki: Trump’s Pyrrhic Victory*")
