美国债首超38万亿美元！特朗普带领美国走向全球老二，G2成现实？

Core Points - The article discusses the controversial announcement by former President Trump to build a $200 million ballroom at the White House amid a government shutdown and rising national debt, which has reached a record $38 trillion [1][6][11] - It highlights the growing skepticism regarding Trump's ability to lead the U.S. back to greatness, as his policies have led to increased national debt and a decline in global influence [3][9][22] - The article emphasizes the severe implications of the national debt, including the burden on every American citizen and the unsustainable fiscal policies that have resulted in a widening gap between government revenue and expenditure [11][13][14] Summary by Sections Trump's Announcement and Public Reaction - Trump's announcement of the ballroom construction during a government shutdown has sparked significant public backlash, with critics arguing that the White House should not be treated as a personal property [6][8] - Trump's claim of self-funding the project is viewed as a facade, with suspicions of political donations from business associates to support his initiatives [6][9] National Debt Crisis - The U.S. national debt has surged to $38 trillion, translating to a per capita debt of $111,000 for every American, including newborns [11] - The debt increased by $2 trillion in just two months, highlighting a rapid growth rate that outpaces average income growth [11][13] - The government's fiscal situation is dire, with mandatory spending on Social Security and Medicare expected to consume over one-third of the federal budget in the near future [11][14] Fiscal Policies and Economic Implications - Trump's tax cuts have resulted in a projected $4.5 trillion reduction in government revenue over the next decade, exacerbating the fiscal deficit [16][18] - Increased defense spending alongside reduced revenue has led to an unsustainable fiscal path, likened to a household maintaining luxury spending while losing income [18] - The Federal Reserve's shift towards accommodating fiscal policies to manage debt interest payments has created long-term risks for the economy [20] Global Influence and Trade Relations - Trump's "America First" policy has led to a decline in U.S. global influence, with withdrawal from international agreements and trade wars that have backfired, particularly in the context of U.S.-China relations [22][23] - The article suggests that the concept of a G2 world order, where the U.S. and China share global leadership, is becoming a reality due to a series of U.S. policy missteps [23]