The Excerpt House passes Trump's cuts to public broadcasting, foreign aid
Jul 18, 2025
A significant bill with cuts to public broadcasting and foreign aid is headed for Trump's desk. Protests against his handling of the Epstein case reveal discontent among voters. The podcast also delves into the rise of private equity in 401(k) plans and noteworthy new cryptocurrency regulations. As lawmakers push for change, challenges in the Senate loom, particularly regarding concerns about corruption. Meanwhile, CBS's cancellation of Stephen Colbert's show adds to the whirlwind of political and media controversies.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Trump's $9B Spending Cuts Passed
- The Trump administration pushed a $9 billion spending cut bill affecting PBS, NPR, and foreign aid.
- These cuts were framed as eliminating wasteful spending and passed just before a critical deadline.
Trump Denies Epstein Letter
- Trump denies writing a lewd birthday letter to Jeffrey Epstein and calls the report defamatory.
- Despite denials, public polling shows two-thirds disapprove of the administration's handling of the Epstein case.
Nationwide Anti-Trump Protests
- Protests across 1,600 U.S. locations involved civil rights groups inspired by John Lewis's legacy.
- Protesters aim for visible, persistent local activism rather than large one-time events.