Group 1 - The article highlights the unprecedented 40-day federal government shutdown in the U.S., exposing the fragility of the national machinery, with significant disruptions in air travel and essential services [1][4] - The core issue revolves around the "Great and Beautiful Act," pushed by Trump and the Republicans, which aims to redefine social welfare eligibility, leading to a moral judgment on who deserves assistance [4][6] - The Act's stipulation that non-disabled adults must provide proof of at least 80 hours of work per month to receive medical and food assistance is projected to remove over 12 million people from the healthcare system and threaten food assistance for nearly 5 million [6][8] Group 2 - The government shutdown is being utilized as a strategic tool by the Trump administration to target perceived Democratic supporters, with approximately 150,000 federal employees being encouraged to leave their positions [14][16] - The Democratic Party has successfully focused on economic issues such as inflation and healthcare in local elections, avoiding divisive cultural topics, which has led to significant electoral victories [19][21] - The "Great and Beautiful Act" is expected to create a fiscal gap of $5 to $6 trillion over the next decade, raising the deficit rate from 6.4% to 7.3%, which could lead to higher borrowing costs and threaten the financial stability of the U.S. [25][27] Group 3 - The ongoing political struggle is not just about a single piece of legislation but is indicative of a deeper, more dangerous shift in the U.S. political landscape, potentially undermining the independence of the Federal Reserve and long-term economic stability [23][31] - The article warns that the current government shutdown reflects a fundamental change in governance, where public service is being transformed into a tool for partisan conflict and social restructuring [33]

Core Viewpoint - The current U.S. government shutdown is not merely a budget dispute but a significant political crisis centered around the "Big and Beautiful Act," which reveals deep societal divisions in the U.S. [7][16] Group 1: Legislative Impact - The "Big and Beautiful Act" redefines the standard for "poor," reflecting a strong sentiment against welfare dependency, which has garnered support from certain voter demographics [9][11] - The act includes tax cuts for specific groups, such as restaurant workers and blue-collar employees, aiming to attract Republican voters while simultaneously cutting welfare benefits for Democratic supporters [11][12] Group 2: Social and Economic Consequences - The new regulations under the act will require non-disabled adults to work at least 80 hours a month to qualify for Medicaid, potentially removing up to 12 million people from the program [12] - The act is projected to cause a revenue loss of $5 trillion to $6 trillion over the next decade, exacerbating an already high deficit rate of 6.4%, which could rise to 7.3% [17] Group 3: Political Dynamics - The shutdown provides an opportunity for the Trump administration to conduct a political purge, with approximately 150,000 federal employees believed to lean Democratic already leaving the government [14][20] - The conflict over the act represents a deeper struggle over defining who constitutes "the American people," with implications for welfare distribution and fiscal policy [16][22]

Core Viewpoint - Elon Musk has significantly changed his attitude towards Donald Trump, criticizing the increasing U.S. budget deficit projected to reach $2.5 trillion, which he believes could lead to national bankruptcy [1]. Group 1: Budget Deficit and Economic Impact - Musk criticized Trump's "Big and Beautiful Act," which he believes will exacerbate the budget deficit, increasing it from $2 trillion during Biden's presidency to $2.5 trillion [1]. - He expressed concern that the act would lead to "strategic damage" to the U.S. economy, potentially destroying millions of jobs and putting the country on a path of "debt servitude" [1]. - Musk's efficiency department, which aimed to cut $2 trillion from the national budget, only managed to save 17.5% of fiscal spending, amounting to $175 billion, in 130 days [1]. Group 2: Political Developments - Following the signing of the act by Trump, Musk established a new political party called the "American Party," aiming to secure seats in Congress to influence key votes on controversial legislation [2].