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Blistering U.N. Report: Trump Administration’s Policies Designed to Worsen Poverty & Inequality In a thought-provoking episode of Democracy Now!, host Amy Goodman dives into the implications of a critical U.N. report highlighting the exacerbation of poverty and inequality under the Trump administration's policies. The discussion revolves around a letter from prominent Democrats, including Senators Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and Cory Booker, calling for the administration to address the alarming levels of deprivation affecting millions of Americans. The U.N. Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty, Philip Alston, sharply criticizes the administration's approach, claiming that its policies seem specifically tailored to strip away basic protections for the economically vulnerable. The statistics revealed in the report are staggering: approximately 40 million Americans live in poverty, with nearly 18.5 million in extreme poverty. Alston warns that the actions being taken not only harm those in dire economic straits but also pose a serious threat to democracy by disenfranchising the poor. Some key points from the report include: - Aggressively Regresive Policies: Alston describes the trending policies as "aggressively regressive," designed to impose harsh work requirements on major social benefit programs. This could leave many working Americans struggling to meet basic living costs despite being employed. - Impact on Children: The report emphasizes that children are disproportionately affected, with 13 million living in poverty. The lack of comprehensive social support systems, such as the Child Health Insurance Program (CHIP), further complicates the situation. - Health Disparities: Alston points out that despite extensive healthcare expenditure, the United States ranks poorly in terms of health outcomes, with life expectancy dropping and high child poverty rates. - The Role of Movements: Alston underscores the importance of grassroots movements, like the Poor People's Campaign, citing them as crucial to advocating for the rights and well-being of the marginalized. This episode not only sheds light on the stark disparities within the American socio-economic landscape but also calls for urgent reflection on policies that affect the most vulnerable populations. What are your thoughts on the findings presented in this report? Are you seeing similar poverty-related issues in your community? Let's engage in a discussion!