Democracy Now! Audio

Democracy Now! 2025-12-18 Thursday

Dec 18, 2025
Dean Baker, a senior economist at the Center for Economic and Policy Research, provides a penetrating analysis of President Trump's recent address, challenging claims about the economy being an 'inherited mess.' He discusses the flaws in Trump's economic policies, particularly the cosmetic nature of TrumpRx.gov and the reality of rising drug prices. Baker also highlights how the Affordable Care Act has effectively slowed cost growth, countering Republican proposals that risk leaving vulnerable Americans uninsured. His insights deliver a sobering look at current economic and healthcare issues.
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INSIGHT

Speech Detached From Economic Reality

  • Dean Baker says Trump's primetime speech was "utterly divorced from reality."
  • Baker argues Trump misrepresents the preexisting strength of the U.S. economy before he took office.
INSIGHT

ACA Reduced Health Cost Growth

  • Baker notes the Affordable Care Act slowed healthcare cost growth sharply after 2010.
  • He warns Republican proposals to remove regulations would leave sick people uninsurable and drive costs up.
ADVICE

Treat Health Subsidies As Political Priority

  • Baker stresses politicians must face political reality on healthcare or lose votes.
  • He highlights that extending subsidies matters to 24 million people and is a live electoral issue.
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