美媒也坐不住了：“斩杀线”存在，且仍在被抬高

Core Viewpoint - The term "Death Line" has gained popularity in Chinese social media, highlighting the economic struggles faced by many Americans, particularly the middle class, who are at risk of financial ruin due to unexpected events [1][2]. Economic Conditions - Approximately 67% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, with 59% unable to cover an unexpected expense of $1,000 [1]. - Many middle-class Americans, despite having decent incomes, find their savings depleted after covering essential expenses such as food, housing, and healthcare [2]. Housing and Healthcare Costs - The cost of housing in the U.S. is higher than in China, and American families have a weaker capacity to withstand financial shocks [3]. - A report indicates that 42% of American households live below the ALICE threshold, which represents families that are employed but financially insecure [5]. Poverty Line and Living Costs - The current poverty line for a family of four in the U.S. is set at $32,150, which is considered inadequate to reflect the true cost of living today [6]. - A recalculated basic living cost for a family of four is estimated to be around $136,500, nearly four times the official poverty line, indicating a significant gap between reported poverty and actual living expenses [6]. Impact of Policy Changes - The recent tax and spending bill signed by former President Trump is set to cut over $1 trillion from healthcare funding, potentially affecting up to 10 million Americans' health insurance [7]. - The administration claims that these cuts will reduce waste and promote self-sufficiency, but they may increase pressure on millions of Americans living on the edge of poverty [7].