Many commentators have condemned Donald Trump for establishing a 'real news' channel. CNN has lambasted it as 'North Korean style propaganda.' Arguably it is a desperate measure, but one which could be necessary given the mainstream media's sole focus on the drama unfolding inside the Trump administration.
There is no refuting that there are a considerable amount of scandals engulfing the White House right now. It is mired in leaks and controversy regarding the President's supposed links to Russia. And if one took everything they read in the press literally, it would seem like the Republican's days are numbered, especially when there are rumors that Democrats are threatening to impeach him.
Jamelle Bouie from online news outlet Slate produced an article which suggests Vice President Mike Pence is hosting dinners with Republican donors in what she considers to be a covert move to oust President Trump. Even if this was true, what do GOP politicians expect? The Vice President campaigned on the same manifesto as his boss and he would continue with the current administration's policies. His only advantage is that he would be viewed by many politicians as more 'experienced' and 'level-headed' than the President due to his background.
However, in recent weeks more news has emerged of the Trump administration's economic successes. Not only are his officials quietly implementing his environmental, immigration, justice and economic policies, but Breitbart reported that 1.1 million fewer Americans are on food stamps.
Much lower than when Barack Obama was president
According to the latest figures from the US Department of Agriculture, participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) dropped to 41,496,255 in May 2017 from 42,691,363 in January 2017 when Donald Trump took office. This means SNAP enrollment decreased by 27.9 per cent, which is much lower than when Barack Obama was president in 2010.
The recent numbers show that this development is only likely to continue. President Trump has proposed to slash SNAP funding in his 2018 budget proposal. This means states would have to match 20 per cent of federal money reserved for the food stamp program and enlarge work requirements for capable adults receiving them.
This is the good news the Republicans need to rally round
Federal lawmakers are also crafting legislation that would expand food stamp work requirements and enforce time constraints on how long those enlisted in the program can receive benefits. Georgia and Alabama serve as two good examples of states where food stamp enrollment significantly fell.
This is the good news the Republicans need to rally round. They should focus less on ousting President Trump and unite on the measures which are generating wealth again.
