By Laura Hollis
Monday, 27 April 2026 12:32 PM EDT
There simply is no other explanation for the widespread harm inflicted by U.S. politicians. Not ignorance, not well-intentioned stupidity, nor misguided but honest mistakes. No one could cause such cruelty to citizens unless they despised their constituents.
The destructive effects of these policies are evident in cities nationwide, state governments, and federal institutions. When citizens make serious efforts to address these issues—demanding accountability or solutions—the typical response is not an apology or policy reversal but rather lies, denials of obvious realities, attacks on critics, and manipulation of the electoral system to prevent removal of responsible officials.
Independent journalist Nick Shirley exposed billions in fraud in Minnesota. Instead of government action to root out taxpayer theft, Shirley and others face accusations of racism. The estimated $9 billion in Minnesota fraud is dwarfed by California’s alleged $200 billion in Medicaid, unemployment insurance, welfare, and hospice care scams. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testified that federal funds had been cut from over 500 fake “hospice care” facilities—some operating in burrito stands.
California responded by drafting the “Stop Nick Shirley Act,” designed to penalize those exposing fraud. Charities and nonprofits are deeply embedded in these scams, as seen after wildfires destroyed Pacific Palisades: a “FireAid” series raised over $100 million with none reaching residents. Funds instead flowed to NGOs, many of which later benefited political campaigns.
Actor Spencer Pratt, who lost his home in the fire, has run for mayor of Los Angeles after exposing an NGO called Northeast New Beginnings that received a $16 million state grant for modular housing—reportedly providing 64 beds at $250,000 each.
Illegal immigration continues to escalate harm, with daily headlines about crimes committed by undocumented individuals. Yet politicians protect these communities rather than the public. Homelessness and untreated mental health crises are destroying cities, but when residents raise concerns or businesses close, politicians promote policies that worsen these conditions.
In Chicago public schools, more than half of students cannot read at grade level, and 75% lack basic math proficiency. In Washington, D.C., 62% of students also cannot read at grade level despite spending over $31,000 per student annually—the highest in the nation. Politicians and teachers’ unions attribute these failures to funding shortages.
Violent crimes remain preventable but persist due to policies that allow repeat offenders back on streets after multiple arrests. For instance, a man who stabbed and killed Iryna Zarutska in Charlotte had been arrested 14 times previously.
Virginia recently approved a law disenfranchising half its voters through redistricting. Governor Abigail Spanberger, a former CIA operative who ran as a moderate but has signed every extremist bill from the state legislature, claims Democrats will replicate similar tactics nationwide if they regain control of Congress. She cites longtime Democratic strategist James Carville, who announced plans to make D.C. and Puerto Rico states, expand the Supreme Court to 13 justices, and pack it with “progressives.”
If Democrats take control, they would likely eliminate the filibuster, grant citizenship to over 20 million undocumented immigrants, and open borders again—transferring costs to taxpayers while reducing citizens’ voice in governance.
Despite their control of both houses of Congress and broad public approval, Republicans have failed to pass the SAVE America Act, which ensures only eligible U.S. citizens can vote. The House has passed this legislation twice, but Senate Majority Leader John Thune has refused to move it forward.
The consequences of these policies will be felt long after the current president leaves office.
