Thomas Palley is a United States-based economist who has served as the chief economist for the US–China Economic and Security Review Commission. He is currently Schwartz Economic Growth Fellow at the New America Foundation.
This distinction between “AI” as a vague, catch-all term and the specific type of advanced pattern-finding model actually at play here matters immensely.
Progressives warn that the Republican spending bill would give Trump and Musk sweeping control over federal funds, gut social programs, and set a dangerous precedent—while Senate Democrats waver on whether to fight or fold.
A new investigation reveals that Musk-linked operatives with little government experience have gained access to sensitive Social Security data, raising alarms over potential benefit disruptions, privacy risks, and a broader push to privatize the agency.
International consumers reject U.S. goods in response to Trump’s trade policies, escalating tariffs, and growing dissatisfaction with American corporate and political influence.