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Trump spending freeze is confusing. But deficit must be cut
President Donald Trump spent his first 10 days back in the White House taking a wrecking ball to the progressive policies that former President Joe Biden and his crew imposed on Americans.
Biden’s team spent four years weaving the threads of progressive values and ideology into every federal agency, from the Defense Department to the Environmental Protection Agency. Trump has undone many of the policies, if not the damage they inflicted, in less than two weeks.
The speed and scope with which Trump has attempted to strip the federal government of excess is extraordinary. There are few, if any, parallels in U.S. history to what Trump is now doing.
The assault on progressive ideology already has had a few misfires. For example, the White House on Monday announced a pause in distributing federal grants and loans. Amid the ensuing chaos, a federal judge blocked Trump’s order.
Then came Wednesday afternoon, when Team Trump appeared to rescind the order, then said it didn’t rescind the actual review of federal spending, only the memo mandating the spending freeze.
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White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said Trump’s campaign to “end the egregious waste of federal funding” will continue.
On that score, Trump appears to have strong public support. A new Reuters/Ipsos poll found that more than 60% of U.S. adults support “downsizing the federal government.”
While the spending freeze has dominated the media’s attention this week, Trump also announced a buyout plan to reduce the number of federal employees. In exchange for quitting their jobs, most federal workers can receive eight months of salary.
Businesses commonly use buyout offers to reduce payroll costs, but it’s unusual for government to adopt the tactic. But Trump is seldom conventional.
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Why is he doing all of this? Remember that the federal deficit hit an unsustainable $1.8 trillion in the last fiscal year with the nation at peace and the overall economy relatively strong.
Trump may be the agent of current chaos, but it’s nothing compared with what’s coming in the years ahead if the nation can’t get its finances in order.
Federal spending is out of control
Trump’s on-and-off spending freeze left Democrats sputtering about the Constitution.
“Congress holds the power of the purse,” said Senate Appropriations Vice Chair Patty Murray, D-Wash. “That is very clear in the Constitution.”
Murray is right, to a degree. It is Congress that has the constitutional authority to allocate money. But the executive branch, with Trump as its newly elected head, also has a big say in how the money is actually spent.
And there are plenty of examples of seriously questionable spending that Congress appropriated and the Biden administration distributed. In his annual Festivus Report last month, Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., identified more than $1 trillion in wasteful spending ‒ including expenditures to determine if “lonely rats seek cocaine more than happy rats,” to promote “girl-centered climate action in Brazil” and to teach “Kyrgyzstan youth how to go viral.”
The biggest money waster that Rand called out: the nearly $900 billion that Americans paid for interest on the national debt in 2024.
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Trump is on the right track − sort of
With more than 3 million workers, the federal government is the largest employer in the United States. American taxpayers cover the salaries and benefits for not only all of those employees but also the massive expenses of the government agencies they manage.
All of it adds up to not only an annual deficit approaching $2 trillion but also a national debt that has topped a mind-boggling $36 trillion.
Something (make that, a lot) has to change, and Trump is the American people’s chosen agent of change.
Keep in mind that, according to the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, Trump in his first term outspent Biden. Perhaps he has adopted fiscal discipline as his New Year’s resolution. I hope he has.
He needs to remember, however, that whatever is done by executive order can be undone by executive order. The president must work with Congress to make spending cuts more permanent.
Watching Trump take a sledgehammer to federal spending, instead of a scalpel, is frustrating. It’s a very Trumpian thing to do, but it’s far from ideal.
Dismantling liberal policies and cutting excess spending won’t be pretty to watch. It will be messy and at times chaotic, as we’ve already seen.
Even so, stripping the government of its bloat is bold and necessary, and in time it will help all Americans avoid the fiscal disaster looming in our nation’s future.
Nicole Russell is an opinion columnist with USA TODAY. She lives in Texas with her four kids. Sign up for her newsletter, The Right Track, and get it delivered to your inbox.
The recent announcement of a spending freeze by the Trump administration has left many Americans scratching their heads. With the deficit climbing to record levels, it seems counterintuitive to freeze spending on essential programs and services.While cutting the deficit is a necessary goal, the method in which it is being approached is causing confusion and concern among citizens. Many are worried about the potential impact on vital services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
It is important for the administration to provide more clarity on their plans for cutting the deficit and how they will ensure that essential programs are not compromised. Transparency and communication are key in gaining the support and understanding of the American people.
Ultimately, the deficit must be addressed, but it must be done in a thoughtful and strategic manner that prioritizes the well-being of the country and its citizens. Let’s hope that the Trump administration can provide more clarity and reassurance as they move forward with their spending freeze plans.
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#Trump #spending #freeze #confusing #deficit #cutCraig Conover Details Paige DeSorbo’s “Confusing” Behavior Pre-Breakup
It’s safe to say Craig Conover and Paige DeSorbo we definitely not on the same page prior to their breakup.
“I think everyone knows that, if it was up to me, we would just get engaged,” the Southern Charm star admitted to costar Shep Rose during the Bravo series’ Jan. 23 episode during a candid conversation that was filmed months before his December breakup from the Summer House star. “But she changes her mind a lot about stuff.”
For instance, Craig recounted, “One day she’ll text me and say, ‘Let’s build a f–king farm house in the middle of nowhere,’ or, ‘I’m moving to Charleston.’ And then she’ll have a good day in New York and be like, ‘I love it up here.’”
And when Shep asked if Paige’s unwillingness to commit to officially settling down put a strain on their relationship, Craig confessed, “It gets confusing.”
In a confessional, the 35-year-old elaborated on his frustrations with his former girlfriend of three years.
Craig Conover, star of Bravo’s hit reality show “Southern Charm,” recently opened up about his ex-girlfriend Paige DeSorbo’s “confusing” behavior leading up to their breakup.In a candid interview with Us Weekly, Conover revealed that he was taken aback by DeSorbo’s actions in the weeks leading up to their split. “It was a rollercoaster of emotions,” he said. “One day she would be completely distant and uninterested, and the next day she would be all over me, telling me how much she loved me.”
Conover admitted that he struggled to understand DeSorbo’s mixed signals, saying, “It was like she was sending me mixed messages and I didn’t know how to interpret them. It was really confusing and frustrating.”
The reality star also shared that ultimately, it was DeSorbo’s inability to commit to a serious relationship that led to their breakup. “I was ready to take things to the next level, but she wasn’t on the same page,” he explained. “It became clear that we wanted different things, and it was best for both of us to go our separate ways.”
Despite the breakup, Conover insisted that there are no hard feelings between him and DeSorbo. “We both wish each other nothing but the best,” he said. “It just wasn’t meant to be.”
Fans of “Southern Charm” will have to tune in to see how the breakup plays out on the upcoming season of the show.
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#Craig #Conover #Details #Paige #DeSorbos #Confusing #Behavior #PreBreakupTwo-time Super Bowl champion calls Cowboys hiring of Brian Schottenheimer ‘confusing’
There is a new leader in Dallas and his name is Brian Schottenheimer. The Cowboys officially named Schottenheimer their next head coach after serving as the team’s offensive coordinator for the previous two seasons under former head coach Mike McCarthy. This was a rather puzzling road that Jerry Jones and the Cowboys took to get to Schottenheimer as they delayed parting ways with McCarthy and then decided on a coach who was not getting official interviews for any of the other openings across the NFL.
“I’m surprised, but then as I think back on it, I’m not surprised,” CBS Sports NFL analyst and former two-time Super Bowl champion Bryant McFadden told CBS Sports HQ when reacting to the Schottenheimer hire. “With the Dallas Cowboys, you have to expect the unexpected. Their entire mindset with this offseason and how they handled this coaching carousel has been confusing. You didn’t allow Mike McCarthy to interview with other teams just to let him go days later. That didn’t make any sense.
“It felt like they never had a plan and now seeing Brian Schottenheimer promoted as the head coach, the only thing that makes sense for me is that the continuity he has established with the quarterback in Dak Prescott. Yes, he was a quarterbacks coach, so he worked hands-on with Dak Prescott so that relationship is already in place. Outside of that, he’s been a career assistant at best.”
McFadden also stressed that while Schottenheimer had the title of offensive coordinator with the Cowboys, he never called plays, a duty that was held on to by Mike McCarthy. Schottenheimer does have experience calling plays in the NFL, however, working as the offensive coordinator for the New York Jets (2006-2011), the then-St. Louis Rams (2012-2014), and most recently the Seattle Seahawks (2018-2020).
“This promotion is just confusing and the only person who knows exactly what is going on with the Dallas Cowboys is Jerry Jones,” McFadden continued.
Cowboys hiring Brian Schottenheimer shows Jerry Jones’ priority is his own power
Garrett Podell
One of the next questions following Schottenheimer’s hiring is the staff that’ll be put in place around him. There have been some reports that indicate former Bears head coach Matt Eberflus — a former Cowboys assistant coach from 2011-2017 — could return to the franchise as Schottenheimer’s defensive coordinator. Of course, Mike Zimmer was the team’s coordinator on that side of the ball in 2024 and worked alongside Schottenheimer, so it seems logical he could be retained as well.
Regardless of which people are put in place, McFadden did highlight the importance of putting former head coaches in place around Schottenheimer as he takes on the role for the first time.
The Cowboys are looking to rebound after a 7-10 season that was marred by injuries found them on the outside looking in on the playoffs. Moreover, if/when they return to the postseason, Jones will be looking for this Schottenheimer-led squad to finally break through on a deep run that has alluded the organization for quite some time.
Former NFL player and two-time Super Bowl champion, Torrey Smith, took to social media to express his confusion over the Dallas Cowboys’ hiring of Brian Schottenheimer as their new offensive coordinator.In a tweet, Smith questioned the decision, stating, “The Cowboys hiring Brian Schottenheimer as their offensive coordinator is so confusing to me. What am I missing here?”
Smith, who played for the Baltimore Ravens and the Philadelphia Eagles during his NFL career, is known for his outspoken opinions on football matters. His comments sparked a debate among fans and analysts, with many questioning the rationale behind the Cowboys’ decision to bring in Schottenheimer.
Schottenheimer, the son of former NFL head coach Marty Schottenheimer, has served as an offensive coordinator for several teams in the past, including the Seattle Seahawks and the Jacksonville Jaguars. However, his coaching style and offensive schemes have often been criticized for being too conservative and predictable.
It remains to be seen how Schottenheimer will fare with the Cowboys, but Torrey Smith’s comments have certainly added fuel to the fire of speculation surrounding this controversial hiring. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
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Terry Bradshaw’s confusing comments about Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen
Terry Bradshaw seemingly can’t decide whether he likes Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen better , as his comments on both quarterbacks have been contradictory this season.
The FOX NFL Sunday analyst has been very vocal with his opinions during the 2024 season, and is often asked his thoughts on a quarterback’s ability during the broadcasts. Due to his success with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1970s and ’80s, the 76-year-old is regarded as a go-to for an opinion when it comes to the top position in the game.
However, his comments on current stars Mahomes and Allen have caused some confusion amongst fans lately, because he can’t decide which one he prefers more. Four years ago, Bradshaw was so complimentary of the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback that he claimed he’d choose Mahomes over the legendary Tom Brady in his backfield.
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In 2021, Bradshaw told Business Insider: “Mahomes’ athletic ability, scrambling ability, running ability, arm location in a way to throw the football, is like nothing we’ve ever seen in our league. He’s probably the best quarterback I’ve seen in a while who’s able to go to the left and throw to the right, which is very difficult to do, or go to the right and really sling it back to the left. He’s a very gifted athlete at the quarterback position.”
The veteran NFL star also criticized Brady’s athletic ability, adding that this was one of the reasons he’d pick Mahomes over him. Bradshaw said: “Tom can’t run. Tom can’t go anywhere. Tom’s not strong – you can knock him down really easy.
“But when he’s upright, he’s spot on. He’s deadly accurate with the football. Which one would I take? If you say: ‘Terry, which one do you want on your team?’ I would want to take the young Mahomes over Brady. Mahomes can make things happen in a tough situation, and Tom can’t. He can’t move.”
However, during a pre-game show for FOX in the same year, Bradshaw said that Buffalo Bills star Allen had the best throwing arm in the league. He claimed: “There is not a better arm in the NFL than Josh Allen.”
While many thought that this was merely just a compliment aimed Allen’s way, and that he was still a big admirer of Mahomes, this all changed in 2024 when asked his opinion on the Chiefs chances at the Super Bowl.
Kansas City have a big chance to do something historic this year and win the Lombardi Trophy three time in a row – something that has never been done before in the entire history of the NFL.
While appearing for FOX NFL Sunday in December 2024, Bradshaw stated that the Baltimore Ravens or the Bills – where Allen plays – would stop the Chiefs from achieving a historic three-peat. He said: “They’re not going to win three in a row. I just think they’re going to load up against a team like Buffalo; they’re going to load up against a team like Baltimore.
“Those are the two teams that can beat them. I think it’s going to happen.”
Bradshaw may not be able to decide on a preferred quarterback out of the dynamic pair, but he will have the pleasure of watching them face off in the AFC Conference Championship on Sunday (January 26).
In a recent interview, former NFL quarterback Terry Bradshaw made some remarks about young star quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen that have left fans scratching their heads.Bradshaw praised Mahomes for his incredible arm talent and playmaking ability, calling him a “once-in-a-generation talent.” However, he also questioned Mahomes’ ability to lead his team to consistent success, pointing out that the Kansas City Chiefs have not been able to win multiple Super Bowls with him at the helm.
On the other hand, Bradshaw had high praise for Josh Allen, saying that he believes the Buffalo Bills quarterback has all the tools to become a future Hall of Famer. He commended Allen for his leadership and development as a passer, but also mentioned that he has concerns about Allen’s decision-making under pressure.
Fans and analysts alike are puzzled by Bradshaw’s contradictory comments about the two young quarterbacks. While it is natural for analysts to have differing opinions on players, Bradshaw’s remarks about Mahomes and Allen seem to be at odds with each other.
It will be interesting to see how Mahomes and Allen respond to Bradshaw’s comments and if they use them as motivation to continue their development and prove their critics wrong. Ultimately, only time will tell if Bradshaw’s confusing comments will hold any weight in the ongoing debate about the future success of these two talented quarterbacks.
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