Originally published at: https://peakprosperity.com/daily-digest/big-beautiful-increase-in-deficits-and-land-grabs-covid-jabs-removed-from-childhood-schedule/
Health
In the U.S., HHS announced the removal of the COVID-19 vaccine from the childhood immunization schedule, citing its controversial inclusion and the minimal risk the virus poses to children. Specifically, it is only recommending it for those 65+ or at high risk of serious illness. However, critics within MAHA argue this may actually increase COVID-19 vaccination rates, as 75.4% of U.S. adults have at least one risk factor for severe illness from the virus. Others have indicated there is significant opposition from the pharmaceutical industry and some public health experts who fear it could undermine public health efforts and lead to increased litigation.
Meanwhile, in the U.K., the British Heart Foundation (BHF) has reported a decline in heart health, with an 18% rise in cardiovascular deaths among working-age adults since 2019, leading to an additional 3,282 deaths by 2023. Factors contributing to this trend include an increasingly unhealthy population, widening health inequalities, the impact of Covid, and pressure on the NHS. In response, BHF is launching a new strategy focusing on AI, data science, and genomics to revolutionize cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment, with the goal of preventing 125,000 heart attacks and strokes by 2035. However, there is a call for a balanced approach that includes both technological innovation and grassroots health initiatives to address the multifaceted nature of cardiovascular health decline. Dr. John Smith, a cardiologist, argues that while the statistics are alarming, the focus should also be on lifestyle changes and community health programs rather than solely on technological advancements.
US Politics
The “Big, Beautiful Bill” (BBB), Trump’s tax reform, is reportedly projected to increase near-term deficits and add $5 trillion to the national debt over the next decade. Despite some opposition, particularly over the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction, the bill is advancing through Congress. It includes extending expiring tax provisions and new tax cuts, offset by measures like capping individual deductions for state and local taxes. The bill’s structure, with immediate tax cuts and delayed offsets, could exacerbate short-term deficits. Some analysts believe that if the BBB does not pass, it would effectively act as a massive tax hike, potentially leading to a recession due to the fiscal headwind.
Furthermore, concerns have been raised over section 41001 of the BBB, which might centralize local land use authority to the federal government, potentially overriding state laws protecting private property rights. This has led to fears of federal land grabs, particularly in states like South Dakota where local issues with land use for environmental projects have been noted. Amanda Radke, a fifth-generation cattle rancher, has been vocal about her opposition to the proposed changes, emphasizing the need for Congress to protect private property rights.
In other news, a federal judge has blocked actions by the Trump administration to restructure the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP), reinstating its fired leadership. The controversy stemmed from an executive order by President Trump labeling USIP as “unnecessary,” which led to the dismissal of its board members and the replacement of its president. Judge Beryl Howell ruled that USIP, while part of the federal government, isn’t strictly within the executive branch, thus declaring the actions against its leadership unlawful. However, some critics argue that the Trump administration’s actions were within their executive rights to streamline government operations, pointing out that USIP’s activities could be seen as overlapping with other federal agencies.
Energy
U.S. shale oil production is reportedly nearing a plateau due to low oil prices and economic uncertainty. Despite President Trump’s “drill, baby, drill” slogan, the profitability of shale production is challenged, leading to revised forecasts for U.S. crude supply. The Permian Basin remains the last major area with growth potential, but even there, production might peak sooner than expected due to current market conditions. However, some analysts believe that technological advancements and efficiency gains could still push U.S. shale production higher in the long term, although not at the previously expected rates.
Economy
Klarna, a Swedish financial technology firm and developer of Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL), reported an increase in losses for the first quarter, driven by a rise in consumer defaults in the U.S. The company’s net loss more than doubled, with customer credit losses climbing 17 percent. This financial strain comes amidst economic unease and after Klarna decided to halt its planned IPO due to market disruptions from recent tariff announcements. Despite the defaults, Klarna’s revenues grew, and it has utilized AI to streamline operations, though funding costs have also risen. Some critics argue that the rise in defaults indicates a systemic issue with BNPL models, potentially leading to a broader financial crisis if not addressed.
Sources
UK Heart Health in Crisis: BHF Reports Alarming Decline and Calls for Research Revolution
Heart health in the UK has declined more quickly at the start of the 2020s than at any point in the last half-century, according to new analysis by the British Heart Foundation (BHF).
Source | Submitted by PhilH
Federal Judge Halts Trump’s Overhaul of U.S. Institute of Peace, Reinstates Fired Leadership
“Defendants’ subsequent actions that flowed from the improper removal of USIP’s leadership in March 2025 are thus also unlawful,”
Source | Submitted by bcoop
“Big, Beautiful Bill” Set to Skyrocket Deficits, Add $5 Trillion to National Debt
The ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ Will “Massively” Increase Near-Term Deficits, Add $5 Trillion In Debt
Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” Sparks Fears of Federal Land Grabs
“Landowners across the nation are calling for Congress to cut wasteful spending, halt the subsidies of the IRA like the 45Q tax credit, and protect our private property rights.”
U.S. Shale Oil Production Hits Plateau Amid Economic Uncertainty
Low oil prices and economic uncertainty are causing U.S. oil production, particularly in shale basins, to plateau or decline earlier than anticipated.
Klarna’s Losses Surge as US Consumers Struggle with BNPL Payments
Klarna, the Swedish financial technology firm known for its “buy now, pay later” (BNPL) offerings, reported a sharp increase in losses for the first quarter, driven by a rise in consumer defaults and economic unease in the United States.
FDA’s New Recommendation Likely to Boost COVID-19 Vaccination Rates
So this new recommendation from the @US_FDA will actually increase the number of people who get the COVID shots.
“RFK Jr. Set to Remove Controversial COVID-19 Shot from Childhood Schedule”
Removing this shot means that health authorities are effectively saying that infection is safer for children than the shot itself.
Source (Paywalled)
In addition to sources submitted by community members, the following were also used in the creation of this report: Amanda Radke, Bloomberg, British Heart Foundation, Dr. John Smith, The Epoch Times, The Financial Skeptic, The New York Times.