Wealth, Power, and Political Dynamics

For months, Donald Trump has been heralding his "Big, Beautiful" spending bill - a key piece of his agenda, containing tax cuts for the rich and benefits cuts for the vulnerable. It will also add trillions to America's debt - to the point that some are now sounding the alarm, warning of a "debt bomb" about to hit the US economy. What the White House didn't bet on was that one of those leading critics would be Elon Musk - who's turned fire on his former boss in spectacular fashion, calling the legislation a "disgusting abomination" and ominously warning Senators that voters will fire those politicians who "betray America". Will his words spook Republicans into defying Donald Trump? And how will the President react to Musk's missives?

Later, we speak to Evan Osnos, New Yorker writer and author of new book 'The Haves and Have-Yachts: Dispatches on the Ultrarich". It's a firsthand insight into the lives of America's new oligarchy now running America - what does it tell us about the forces driving voters and how can the Democrats respond?

The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/