Analysis Reveals Both Trump and Harris’ Economic Plans Could Worsen U.S. Deficit

Nonpartisan report highlights significant increases to national debt under both candidates’ proposals, projecting trillions in additional deficits.

A new analysis by the nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget reveals that the economic proposals of both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris could significantly increase the U.S. national debt over the next decade. The report, released on Monday, projects that a Harris presidency could raise the national debt by $3.5 trillion over ten years, while Trump’s plans could add between $7.5 trillion and as much as $15.2 trillion to the debt.

The analysis comes at a critical time as the 2024 election season intensifies, leaving voters to grapple with economic concerns as both candidates promote their economic visions for the future.

Trump’s Hurricane Response Amidst Election Campaign

As Hurricane Milton, a Category 5 storm, bears down on Florida, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump took to the stage at Trump International Doral in Miami on Monday, despite the impending threat. Trump headlined a memorial service for the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, stating that the hurricane would not have kept him from attending. “I think I’m the only person who flew into Florida today,” Trump quipped during his remarks. “I wouldn’t have missed it, regardless.”

This is not the first time Florida has faced such a devastating hurricane. While Trump said he had never heard of a Category 5 hurricane hitting land, Florida has seen its share of such storms, including Hurricanes Andrew and Michael— the latter of which struck during Trump’s presidency.

Meanwhile, President Joe Biden has been in direct contact with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to discuss preparations for Hurricane Milton and recovery efforts from the damage left behind by Hurricane Helene. Despite tensions between Vice President Kamala Harris and DeSantis over the federal response to Helene, Biden assured DeSantis that he could reach out directly for any additional support.

Harris Defends Federal Aid Amid Criticism

Vice President Kamala Harris has not been shy in addressing what she calls the “misinformation” surrounding the federal response to Hurricane Helene. She criticized Donald Trump’s claims that the government was intentionally withholding aid from Republican-led states affected by the storm. Harris emphasized the importance of accessing available resources through FEMA, stating that it is “extraordinarily irresponsible” to spread such misinformation during a crisis. “It’s about him. It’s not about you,” she said in a pointed remark aimed at Trump.

Harris also found herself at odds with DeSantis over communication in the wake of the hurricane. While her office claimed she reached out to the Florida governor, DeSantis said he never received a call, sparking political tensions. Harris called DeSantis’ actions “selfish” and accused him of engaging in political gamesmanship instead of prioritizing the needs of Floridians.

Harris Advocates for Gun Safety, Confirms She’s a Firearm Owner

In an interview with CBS’s “60 Minutes” on Monday evening, Vice President Harris confirmed that she owns a Glock pistol and has fired it at a shooting range. This revelation comes after Harris, during a campaign event with Oprah Winfrey, noted that she is a gun owner and caused a stir by saying, “If somebody breaks into my house, they’re getting shot.”

While Harris advocates for stricter gun safety laws, her comments highlighted the balance she seeks to strike between personal gun ownership and gun reform. Harris’ running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, is also a gun owner, emphasizing a nuanced approach to gun control during their campaign.

Trump Targets Polish-American Voters with TV Appearance

In an effort to shore up support in key battleground states, Donald Trump made a 10-minute appearance on Poland’s Republika TV, during which he praised Polish President Andrzej Duda. Trump’s outreach to Polish-American voters is strategic, as states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin— all of which have large populations of Polish ancestry— are critical to his electoral success.

Trump took the opportunity to highlight his administration’s military sales to Poland and opposition to Russia’s gas pipeline to Germany. He also reiterated his promise to end the war in Ukraine if he wins the election. Meanwhile, Kamala Harris has also been engaging with Polish-American voters, positioning herself as a staunch defender of Ukraine and tapping into their animosity toward Russia.

As Election Day approaches, the economic, political, and international stakes continue to grow, with both Trump and Harris vying to address the concerns of a nation facing unprecedented challenges. Whether it’s managing a looming deficit, preparing for natural disasters, or addressing foreign policy, the 2024 presidential race is shaping up to be one defined by stark contrasts and high stakes.

4o