Trump attacks Krugman ahead of major DC policy move

A critical look at Trump's late night post targeting Paul Krugman as he prepares a White House briefing and proposals on homelessness and crime in Washington DC.

Trump attacks Krugman ahead of major DC policy move

Trump posted on Truth Social calling economist Paul Krugman a deranged bum and urging the New York Times to sue him. The post comes just hours before a White House briefing where the President is expected to outline new steps on homelessness and crime in Washington and to discuss the possible use of the National Guard.

Krugman, who left the Times last year, had described Trump's trade stance as deluded in a Substack essay. Federal authorities have increased their presence in the capital in recent days, and Washington's mayor has raised concerns about safety and civil liberties as the city prepares for the new measures.

This tirade marks a shift from policy debate to personality conflict. When a president uses insults to score points, it can erode trust and frame policy decisions as battles rather than shared solutions.

The looming policy moves in DC could have broad political and budgetary consequences. If federal steps collide with local concerns, the risk is a backlash that complicates governance and feeds political polarization.

Highlights

Policy should be judged by plans and results, not headlines and invective.