Readers sound off on Trump's trade war, climate data and the measles outbreak
Brooklyn: President Trump is employing a tried-and-true tactic he used as a private businessman. He'd have contractors do construction at one of his ostentatious resorts. He'd invent some bogus reason to be dissatisfied with the work and offer a dime per dollar of the contracted price. The contractor would sue, but Trump's lawyers were under instructions to delay, obfuscate, demand continuances and prolong the lawsuit to drive up his adversary's legal fees.
This tactic was taught by Roy Cohn, his mentor, and is intended to take advantage of the glacial pace of our court system. Legal fees are one of the costs of doing business for Trump. He was confident that his deep pockets would compel the plaintiff to settle on his terms or risk going bankrupt. Many did.
This time using the economic might of the U.S. instead of his personal wealth as his bargaining chip, Trump is betting that tariffs he ordered will cause prices for American goods in targeted countries to rise to intolerable levels and force our customers to renegotiate trade deals in our favor. He was absent the day his Economics 101 professor taught that it is the consumers of the country imposing the tariff that pay the higher price for the imported goods, not consumers of the targeted country. Tariffs are a tit-for-tat and usually end in a zero-sum game. This situation always results in a recession caused by the sudden upheaval in prices for previously relatively inexpensive goods. Indeed, Wall Street plunged more than 1,000 points this week as a result of Trump's arrogantly raising the tariff percentage to our ally Canada. As for Congress, the silence is deafening. Stan Rosenson
Larchmont, N.Y.: In 2020, when Trump said, 'If he's elected, it will cause a market crash and a recession,' I thought he was talking about Joe Biden. It turns out he was talking about himself! Steve Michaud
Staten Island: Not only are we being taxed to death, but Con Edison will be raising its rates. It also would pass along the 25% increase Canada threatened to charge for the power it is providing to three states. Yes, we are one of those states. Didn't Trump say Canada would not retaliate? Thomas Bell
Manhattan: U.S. stocks are headed toward their worst start to a presidency since 2009, when we were in the midst of the financial crisis. Trump continues to say tariffs will make us so rich that we'll have so much money, we won't know what to do with it. He's a salesman in the most quintessentially American of traditions. Trump Tower, when it was built, was glitzy and gaudy on the exterior. The interiors, finishes and quality of construction left something to be desired. That's a fair analogy for Trump's life and career: enticing rhetoric and lofty promises that are totally detached from reality. Trumpers represented the most gullible demographic in America, and Trump knew how to exploit them. If you supported Trump, is it time to admit you were hosed? Daniel Dolgicer
Newton, N.J.: Voicer Rob Weissbard writes that 'if advocating and supporting enemies of this country are not a reason for deportation, what is?' Leaving aside the fact that there is no evidence that Mahmoud Khalil supports Hamas and Hezbollah (which is protected free speech), let's discuss Trump's open support for Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, who are both sworn enemies of the United States, and his rejection of our allies (Canada, Mexico, NATO and, of course, Ukraine). But don't let the truth get in the way of your MAGA-inspired hypocrisy, Rob. Michael Schnackenberg
Brooklyn: If the GOP accuses Rep. Adriano Espaillat of being an 'illegal immig' ('Dems rip GOPers calling Espaillat 'illegal immig,' ' March 7) someone (the press?) should remind them that Melania Trump came to the United States illegally and worked here illegally. Later she brought her family to the U.S. via chain migration. It's all just more hypocrisy from the GOP and its president. Herman Kolender
Manhattan: I am appalled at what the Trump administration is doing to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. This agency has provided free, widely used weather forecasts, helping communities prepare for hurricanes, heatwaves, droughts, etc. The Union of Concerned Scientists recently delivered an open letter to Congress and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick signed by thousands of experts (including myself) urging full funding and staffing for NOAA to protect its science. Trump and Elon Musk are following Project 2025, which calls for dismantling NOAA and privatizing weather forecasting. Privatizing NOAA's data would weaken public safety and U.S. leadership in climate and ocean science. Dismantling NOAA means flying blind into climate crises; without its data, we would lack essential tools to track and respond to rising sea levels, worsening heatwaves, flooding and other climate disasters. NOAA is essential in fisheries and climate monitoring and research; it works with scientists worldwide to provide vital information. Judith S. Weis
Manhattan: Keep in mind that these whackos also have control of the nuclear codes. Anne Stockton
Central Islip, L.I.: Rosie O'Donnell moved to Ireland after Trump won the election. Good riddance! Too bad she couldn't move to Mars. Thomas Sarc
Long Beach, L.I.: Does anyone care that celebrities who made their millions in America are choosing to leave? They are all bent out of shape because their opinions were rejected by everyday Americans who voted for Trump and in favor of common sense. They don't denounce the violence and destruction. So, bon voyage. Arlene Reilly
Manhattan: To Voicer Tripp Hoffmann: Your letter is 100% misleading and contains a statistic you must have hallucinated. Accidental ladder falls resulting in death numbered 300 last year. Where in heaven's name did you get the statistic that said those deaths numbered far more than 50 years of measles? Did you get it when you studied at Trump University? If anyone has Trump Derangement Syndrome, it is you. You lie just like he does. Richard Simon
Forest Hills: Somebody wants to put Trump's picture on the $100 bill. This is a terrible idea. Everybody knows he belongs on the $3 bill. Alan Hirschberg
Manhattan: As president of the New York City Black Chamber of Commerce, it is my job to economically empower and sustain African-American communities through entrepreneurship and business and help promote economic development to rebuild our communities. I'm constantly looking for ways to ease the serious financial pressures felt by local African-American-owned businesses. Lately, that means I spend a lot of time thinking about affordability, especially of necessities like health care. The price of medical care, including doctors, hospitals, medicine and medical equipment, has had overwhelming growth, much more than the rate of inflation, making it extremely difficult for our community to keep up. Albany has failed to address health care affordability. Businesspeople understand that insurance rates simply reflect the rising cost of care. The chamber has joined the Local Business Relief Coalition to offer reasonable solutions to runaway costs. We hope the governor and Legislature will enact these drastically needed reforms. Tosha Miller
Nutley, N.J.: To Voicer Joe Schatzle: I belong, along with you, to the large group of individuals who endured a few days of mild discomfort at home with measles and returned to school or work. I would like to include as new members in that group 124 cases just reported in west Texas. However, 18 of those cases are not eligible, since their infections were serious enough to require hospitalization. Most regrettably are the two individuals who will never belong to that large group of measles survivors, one an unvaccinated school-age child in Texas, and the other an unvaccinated adult in New Mexico. The latter perished, although the exact cause of death is under investigation. So yes, please let's get the MMR vaccination if you haven't already. Peter Griswold
Saddle Brook, N.J.: I always enjoy watching the Big East Tournament, especially this year with St. John's University doing so well, but now it's on Peacock, so I can't watch it. Thanks to whoever made that decision. Bill Homisak
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The Hill
41 minutes ago
- The Hill
How Senate Republicans want to change the tax breaks in Trump's big bill
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The House bill creates a deduction on tips for those working in jobs that have customarily received tips. The House also provides for a deduction for overtime that's equal to the amount of OT a worker has earned. The Senate bill comes with more restrictions. The deduction for tips is limited to $25,000 per taxpayer and the deduction for overtime is limited to $12,500 per taxpayer. The House and Senate bills both provide a deduction of up to $10,000 for interest paid on loans for vehicles made in the United States. And on Social Security, the bills don't directly touch the program. Instead, they grant a larger tax deduction for Americans age 65 and older. The House sets the deduction at $4,000. The Senate sets it at $6,000. Both chambers include income limits over which the new deductions begin to phase out. The caps on state and local tax deductions, known in Washington as the SALT cap, now stand at $10,000. The House bill, in a bid to win over Republicans from New York, California and New Jersey, lifts the cap to $40,000 per household with incomes of less than $500,000. The credit phases down for households earning more than $500,000. The Senate bill keeps the cap at $10,000. That's a non-starter in the House, but Republicans in the two chambers will look to negotiate a final number over the coming weeks that both sides can accept. The House bill prohibits states from establishing new provider taxes or increasing existing taxes. These are taxes that Medicaid providers, such as hospitals, pay to help states finance their share of Medicaid costs. In turn, the taxes allow states to receive increased federal matching funds while generally holding providers harmless through higher reimbursements that offset the taxes paid. Such taxes now are effectively capped at 6%. The Senate looks to gradually lower that threshold for states that have expanded their Medicaid populations under the Affordable Care Act, or 'Obamacare,' until it reaches 3.5% in 2031, with exceptions for nursing homes and intermediate care facilities. Industry groups have warned that limiting the ability of states to tax providers may lead to some states making significant cuts to their Medicaid programs as they make up for the lost revenue in other ways. The Medicaid provision could be a flashpoint in the coming House and Senate negotiations. Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., was highly critical of the proposed Senate changes. 'This needs a lot of work. It's really concerning and I'm really surprised by it,' he said. 'Rural hospitals are going to be in bad shape.' The House bill would allow companies for five years to fully deduct equipment purchases and domestic research and development expenses. 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Yahoo
42 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Exclusive-Democrats want new leaders, focus on pocketbook issues, Reuters/Ipsos poll finds
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Democrats' own priorities appeared more in line with party leaders on abortion rights - which 77% cited as a priority. NEW BLOOD Dissatisfaction over the party's priorities on several economic policies was stronger among younger Democrats like Boland and Rentsch. For example, only 55% of Democrats aged 18-39 thought the party prioritized paid family leave that would allow workers to care for sick family members and bond with a new baby, but 73% said it was a priority for them. Among older Democrats, the same share - 68% - that said the issue was a priority for them said it was a priority for party leaders. Rentsch said that criticizing Trump over his conduct won't be enough to win over skeptical voters. 'That can't be it,' Rentsch said. 'It has to be owning those issues that have an impact on their economic well-being and their physical and mental well-being.' 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an hour ago
How Senate Republicans want to change the tax breaks in Trump's big bill
WASHINGTON -- House and Senate Republicans are taking slightly different approaches when it comes to the tax cuts that lawmakers are looking to include in their massive tax and spending cuts bill. Republicans in the two chambers don't agree on the size of a deduction for state and local taxes. And they are at odds on such things as allowing people to use their health savings accounts to help pay for their gym membership, or whether electric vehicle and hybrid owners should have to pay an annual fee. The House passed its version shortly before Memorial Day. Now the Senate is looking to pass its version. While the two bills are similar on the major tax provisions, how they work out their differences in the coming weeks will determine how quickly they can get a final product over the finish line. President Donald Trump is pushing to have the legislation on his desk by July 4th. Here's a look at some of the key differences between the two bills: The child tax credit currently stands at $2,000 per child. The House bill temporarily boosts the child tax credit to $2,500 for the 2025 through 2028 tax years, roughly the length of President Donald Trump's second term. It also indexes the credit amount for inflation beginning in 2027. The Senate bill provides a smaller, initial bump-up to $2,200, but the bump is permanent, with the credit amount indexed for inflation beginning next year. Trump promised on the campaign trail that he would seek to end income taxes on tips, overtime and Social Security benefits. Also, he would give car buyers a new tax break by allowing them to deduct the interest paid on auto loans. The House and Senate bills incorporate those promises with temporary deductions lasting from the 2025 through 2028 tax years, but with some differences. The House bill creates a deduction on tips for those working in jobs that have customarily received tips. The House also provides for a deduction for overtime that's equal to the amount of OT a worker has earned. The Senate bill comes with more restrictions. The deduction for tips is limited to $25,000 per taxpayer and the deduction for overtime is limited to $12,500 per taxpayer. The House and Senate bills both provide a deduction of up to $10,000 for interest paid on loans for vehicles made in the United States. And on Social Security, the bills don't directly touch the program. Instead, they grant a larger tax deduction for Americans age 65 and older. The House sets the deduction at $4,000. The Senate sets it at $6,000. Both chambers include income limits over which the new deductions begin to phase out. The caps on state and local tax deductions, known in Washington as the SALT cap, now stand at $10,000. The House bill, in a bid to win over Republicans from New York, California and New Jersey, lifts the cap to $40,000 per household with incomes of less than $500,000. The credit phases down for households earning more than $500,000. The Senate bill keeps the cap at $10,000. That's a non-starter in the House, but Republicans in the two chambers will look to negotiate a final number over the coming weeks that both sides can accept. The House bill prohibits states from establishing new provider taxes or increasing existing taxes. These are taxes that Medicaid providers, such as hospitals, pay to help states finance their share of Medicaid costs. In turn, the taxes allow states to receive increased federal matching funds while generally holding providers harmless through higher reimbursements that offset the taxes paid. Such taxes now are effectively capped at 6%. The Senate looks to gradually lower that threshold for states that have expanded their Medicaid populations under the Affordable Care Act, or 'Obamacare,' until it reaches 3.5% in 2031, with exceptions for nursing homes and intermediate care facilities. Industry groups have warned that limiting the ability of states to tax providers may lead to some states making significant cuts to their Medicaid programs as they make up for the lost revenue in other ways. The Medicaid provision could be a flashpoint in the coming House and Senate negotiations. Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., was highly critical of the proposed Senate changes. 'This needs a lot of work. It's really concerning and I'm really surprised by it,' he said. 'Rural hospitals are going to be in bad shape.' The House bill would allow companies for five years to fully deduct equipment purchases and domestic research and development expenses. The Senate bill includes no sunset, making the tax breaks permanent, which was a key priority of powerful trade groups such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Republicans in both chambers are looking to scale back the clean energy tax credits enacted through then-President Joe Biden's climate law. It aimed to boost the nation's transition away from planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions toward renewable energy such as wind and solar power. Under the Senate bill, the tax credits for clean energy and home energy efficiency would still be phased out, but less quickly than under the House bill. Still, advocacy groups fear that the final measure will threaten hundreds of thousands of jobs and drive up household energy costs. The House bill would allow millions of Americans to use their health savings accounts to pay for gym memberships, with a cap of $500 for single taxpayers and $1,000 for joint filers. The Senate bill doesn't include such a provision. The House reinstates a charitable deduction for non-itemizers of $150 per taxpayer. The Senate bill increases that deduction for donations to $1,000 per taxpayer. Republicans in the House bill included a new annual fee of $250 for EV owners and $100 for hybrid owners that would be collected by state motor vehicle departments. The Senate bill excludes the proposed fees.
