From Budget Battles to DOGE: Trump’s Congressional Address Unpacked with Amber Phillips

In this episode of Passing Judgment, guest Amber Phillips returns to analyze President Trump's recent address to Congress and the implications of his administration's actions. Jessica and Amber explore the partisan nature of the speech and the administration's reliance on executive orders, notably within the Department of Governmental Efficiency (DOGE). They discuss the effects on the federal workforce, address questions surrounding the budget process, and examine entitlements. Here are three key takeaways you don't want to miss:Trump's Speech and Approach: The episode begins with a discussion about Trump's address to Congress. Both Amber and Jessica noted how the speech resembled more of a campaign rally than a traditional State of the Union address. They observed Trump's lack of engagement with Congress and his focus on executive orders to achieve his goals.Executive Orders vs. Congressional Legislation: Amber and Jessica explore why the Trump administration is relying heavily on executive orders despite having Republican control in Congress. They discuss the challenges of legislation and the perceived ease of presenting executive orders as actions to the public.Budget and Economic Implications: The speakers delved into the budgetary impacts of the Trump administration's policies, especially concerning cuts in government spending and workforce. They raised concerns about the broader economic consequences, such as potential unemployment and doubts about genuine savings versus necessary spending.Follow Our Host and Guest: @LevinsonJessica@byamberphillips