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ment to things clearly only government can do.

We have a handbook for this. It’s called the U.S. Constitution. But even this has been degraded over the years.

Out of $6.7 trillion in federal spending, $4.1 trillion is mandatory — automatic. This is the spending that includes our massive entitlement programs — Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and CHIP. It also includes $881 billion in interest on the federal debt, now bigger than our defense budget.

Of the $1.8 trillion that is discretionary, that Congress appropriates every year, every single dollar has an interest group behind it lobbying to leave it alone.

Let’s also note a big chunk of all the spending — Medicare, Medicaid, welfare and antipoverty programs — stem from the mid-1960s and President Lyndon Johnson’s Great Society and War on Poverty.

In 1965, just prior to Johnson launching a new era of big government, federal spending claimed 16% of our GDP. Now we’re almost at 25%.

It’s clear that President Donald Trump is operating every day with a deep sense of mission.

For this he should be applauded. The president understands that over the years our country has changed dramatically and dangerously. We’ve transferred an enormous percentage of our country’s operations to government. This means built-in inefficiency in our economy and less growth.

Even with all Trump’s efforts, the Wall Street Journal notes that in his first 100 days, federal spending has increased by $154 billion, more than Elon Musk has saved.

It’s all increased beneficiary claims in our entitlement programs and interest on the federal debt.

Trump’s indefatigable focus and single-mindedness are laudable. But turning the thing around is hard, hard, hard.

He is being ruthlessly attacked by Democrats, who want to keep the big government machine growing and humming, regardless of how much it hurts the country.

The short-run concern of Trump and Republicans must be the polls.

It’s why their priority now must be getting the “big, beautiful” tax bill passed, restoring the 2017 tax cuts.

This will keep the economy growing strongly, which is vital for the polls.

Next priority should then be paring back the massive government creep that damages our country’s present and threatens our future.

Star Parker is founder of the Center for Urban Renewal and Education. Her recent book, “What Is the CURE for America?” is available now. To find out more about Star Parker and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators. com. COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS. COM