In these tumultuous times, marked by an unsettling prevalence of loss, devastation, and grief, it's difficult to find cause for celebration. Particularly, the last six months under Donald Trump's regime have unfolded like a waking nightmare, exacerbated by a chilling reality: good people seem to be passing away, while malevolent forces persist.
A Nation in Mourning: The Personal and Collective Toll
The recent passing of actor and icon Malcolm Jamal-Warner at the tragically young age of 54 served as a stark, personal reminder of life's fragility. For those who grew up watching The Cosby Show, his character, Theo Huxtable, was a beloved, almost familial presence. Despite the later revelations and "drama and trauma" surrounding Bill Cosby, the show itself remains an iconic testament to Black families being seen and celebrated in American homes at a time when such representation was rare. His sudden death, reportedly by drowning while on vacation with his family, delivered a "gut punch" to many, underscoring that "tomorrow is not promised." This tragedy compels us to seize life with both hands, to live "as big and as bold and as beautiful as you possibly can while you can."
Yet, this personal grief is set against a backdrop of a nation in collective anguish, witnessing the systematic dismantling of its global standing and economic stability under the current administration.
Torpedoing Alliances: America Isolated and Unsafe
A critical analysis from Foreign Affairs reveals a deeply disturbing trend: Donald Trump's deliberate and "brutal" repudiation of America's traditional alliances. Since returning to office, Trump has consistently alienated the nation's closest democratic partners, labeling them "cheaters and freeloaders" and "very spoiled." Japan, other Asian trading partners, and even immediate North American neighbors have been accused of exporting drugs and criminals. Simultaneously, heaping praise on autocrats like Hungarian President Viktor Orban ("a very great leader"), Salvadorian strongman Nayib Bukele ("a great friend"), North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un ("a smart guy"), and even Russian President Vladimir Putin ("a genius and very savvy"), demonstrates a chilling shift in diplomatic priorities.
In an unprecedented move, the United States, under Trump, sided against its own democratic allies and with authoritarian states like Russia and Belarus in a UN vote condemning Russia's aggression against Ukraine. This casual disregard for long-standing alliances, which have historically been "dependable" and accepted America's leadership, is a historical anomaly. While NATO allies may have historically under-invested in defense, a dynamic partly encouraged by America's dominant role, they have recently increased their budgets significantly when pressed.
This second Trump administration's foreign policy lacks a "plausible explanation" beyond being "fucking bananas." It offers no coherent alternatives to existing alliances, instead clinging to a 20th-century concept of "spheres of influence" where a few powerful nations dominate their neighbors. Such a world, with a Chinese-dominated Asia and a Russian zone in Eastern Europe, poses "greater threats" to the United States, leaving smaller powers either resentful or searching for new hegemons. Ultimately, Donald Trump has "isolated America from its allies," turned alliances into potential enemies, and significantly increased both national and international security threats with his "20th-century thinking."
Regressive Policies and Economic Ruin: The Cost of Insatiable Greed
Trump's policies, driven by immediate personal gain rather than long-term national interest, are "regressive" and focused on "how much money he can stuff into his pockets right now." The "bullshit billionaire bill," for example, actively "X-es out credits for green innovation" and "fuels dirty coal and big oil," demonstrating a blatant disregard for future-proofing America's interests. This insatiable greed, a "fool's errand" to "satiate the rich," means that "we can't have an equitable future or we can have billionaires, but we can't have both." Wealth, amassed unethically "off the backs of workers" and through the manipulation of politicians for "tax breaks" and incentives, leaves the masses with "nothing."
The economic fallout from these policies is undeniable and devastating. The U.S. economy is projected to lose a staggering $12.5 billion in international travel spending this year, falling from $181 billion in 2024 to just under $169 billion in 2025. This 22.5% decline compared to previous peaks is a direct blow to the U.S. economy, impacting communities, jobs, and businesses nationwide. The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) notes that the U.S. is the only country among 184 economies analyzed that is forecast to see international visitor spending decline in 2025.
Adding to this "big fucking trouble," the U.S. dollar's decline in the first half of the year against peer currencies was the steepest in more than 50 years. The ICE U.S. dollar index, which compares the U.S. currency to a basket of six others, posted its worst first half in half a century. The dollar has tumbled 13% against the Euro this year and 6% against the Japanese Yen, leaving American travelers with "less buying power this summer."
Meanwhile, everyday Americans face soaring domestic prices. Ground beef prices, for example, reached record highs last month, rising to an average of $6.12 per pound, up from $5.98 in May and $5.47 in June 2024. Experts predict this trend will continue "through 2026 and beyond." This "stagflation," fueled by "bullshit tariff wars" and "disgusting draconian immigration policies" that target black and brown people, forcing them into horrific conditions reminiscent of "1930s Germany," is having a profound impact on families.
The Delusion of Genius and a Cracking Base
Despite these grim realities, the Republican Party, which once claimed fiscal responsibility and concern for constituents, remains shockingly unconcerned. Their apparent indifference to wildly unpopular legislation, even with midterms approaching, suggests they believe their "seats are pretty fucking safe" due to an anticipated "lack of free and fair election."
The administration's economic advisors continue to peddle the delusion that Donald Trump is a "high functioning executive president" with "economic sophistication," a claim debunked by his eight bankruptcies, including a casino. Yet, the current administration continues to operate in an "alternative universe of crazy," where they insist the economy, despite clear evidence, is not "in the shitter."
However, there are signs that Trump's "washed up rock star" routine is finally losing its appeal. His latest approval ratings show a net -11% approval rating (e.g., YouGov at -11, CNN at -12, Atlas at -11), his lowest according to "the most accurate pollster," with most other polls showing similar negative figures. This comes as he desperately resorts to old "greatest hits of racism and stirring the pot and distraction," such as threatening the Washington Commanders NFL team with a withheld stadium deal unless they revert to their "racist name of the Washington Redskins." He even "reposted an AI video of Barack Obama being arrested" – a transparent act of "projection."
But the biggest threat to Trump's narrative comes from within his own base. Rolling Stone reports on "Trump's frantic failing mission to crush the Epstein MAGA rebellion," noting that his administration is telling supporters to "forget about the convicted sex offender," but "it isn't working." A senior administration official bluntly stated, "It was a week from hell...a big kick in the balls." Trump himself has "privately vented" that "they won't shut the fuck up about it," referring to conservative influencers questioning the Justice Department's conclusion that Epstein killed himself. The irony is not lost: Trump "was the one that was feeding them conspiracy theories for the last 10 years," and now his base is turning on him. FBI reports indicating the need for analysts to create Excel spreadsheets to track Trump's numerous mentions in the Epstein files strongly suggest his direct and extensive involvement.
The culmination of these factors paints a bleak picture: an increasingly isolated America, a tanking economy, and a leadership so detached from reality and driven by self-interest that it threatens the very foundation of the nation. As Trump becomes "increasingly more violent" in his rhetoric and actions, the question remains whether the American people will collectively decide they've "had a fuck enough" before these fascists solidify their hold for the long term.
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