THE INTERVIEW | Economist Raises Red Flags as House Approves Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill”

The U.S. House narrowly approved the “Big Beautiful Bill” a sweeping plan to extend Trump-era tax cuts, trim discretionary spending, and promise a burst of economic growth. The legislation is now being considered by the Senate. Supporters claim the package can stimulate growth without raising taxes or cutting Social Security and Medicare. But with the national debt now exceeding $36 trillion and annual interest costs topping $1 trillion, economists are questioning whether the U.S. can realistically grow its way out of debt. Dr. Brian Marks, an economist at the University of New Haven, spoke with Hilary Golston about the bill’s long-term fiscal implications—and why he believes the math may not add up.