Who Trump's megabill will hurt the most

Plus, Hakeem Jeffries follows through on vow to take his "sweet time" during House megabill debate

VIEW IN BROWSER MSNBC DAILY Understand today's news Thursday, Jul. 03, 2025 THE LATEST The megabill's war on the poor is built on a decades-old lie By Symone D. Sanders Townsend The megabill's war on the poor is built on a decades-old lie By Symone D. Sanders Townsend When Ronald Reagan was trying to justify massive cuts on social programs, he would often invoke the so-called "welfare queen." His rhetoric focused on an imaginary American — typically assumed to be a Black, single woman — who was living large on the public dole.   Today's Republicans haven't invoked the stereotype as they've set about slashing the safety net, but that may be because they don't have to.   The Senate voted to pass the "big, beautiful bill" on Tuesday. The House, after wavering for a few hours on Wednesday night, is now poised to send the legislation to President Donald Trump's desk in time for his Fourth of July deadline. But even as Trump and his allies in Congress prepare to take food off the tables of poor Americans, the decades-long project to demonize social welfare programs has helped them avoid accountability.   This is a preview of  Symone D. Sanders Townsend's latest column. Read the full column here. For more thought-provoking insights from Michael Steele, Symone Sanders-Townsend and Alicia Menendez, watch "The Weeknight" Monday through Friday at 7 p.m. ET. TOP STORIES DONNEY ROSE Sean 'Diddy' Combs didn't 'win' in court. And hip-hop can make sure of it. Combs' trial should prompt those of us who love hip-hop to call out and condemn its sometimes casual attitudes about the humiliation and abuse of women. Read more. BEN BURGIS The ridiculous right-wing panic over government-owned grocery stores New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani's proposal for a few city-run stores in food deserts isn't even radical by American standards. Read more.  ALEXANDER NAZARYAN The Senate got it right. States should be allowed to regulate AI. President Trump's "Big, Beautiful Bill" passed in the Senate, but an amendment banning states from regulating AI for a decade didn't survive. Read more.  ANTHEA BUTLER How one man became the architect of hate from the pulpit Jimmy Swaggart's mix of old-time gospel, his interpretations of biblical prophecy and his evangelistic crusades spread a particular kind of fundamentalist Pentecostalism that endures today. Read more.  HOUSE TAKES ON MEGABILL MORNING JOE House Minority Leader Jeffries during megabill debate: 'I will take my sweet time' WATCH NOW THE BRIEFING WITH JEN PSAKI Psaki: Republicans will regret passing Trump's bill as Dems look to reprise 2018's House flip WATCH NOW ANA CABRERA REPORTS  Trump reportedly didn't realize his bill strips Medicaid WATCH NOW WAY TOO EARLY 'A complete slap in the face': House Democrat rips Trump spending bill WATCH NOW MORE FROM MSNBC Nicolle Wallace is sitting down with some of the smartest, funniest, and wisest people she knows in her chart-topping podcast, "The Best People with Nicolle Wallace." This week, she speaks with best-selling author Glennon Doyle and American soccer legend Abby Wambach on how putting our bodies into uncomfortable places is the antidote to the dehumanization of immigrants, and why fighting for democracy needs to be a team sport. Listen now, and subscribe to MSNBC Premium on Apple Podcasts for early access, ad-free listening, and bonus content. Go beyond the headlines with the MSNBC app. Read, listen and watch live breaking news and analysis, anytime, anywhere. Download the MSNBC app now.   MSNBC INSIGHTS Have you ever wanted to provide MSNBC with your opinion about their TV programs, documentaries, and digital products, such as MSNBC.com, newsletters, and podcasts? Now is your chance! Join the MSNBC Insights Community.   Download the MSNBC App: 30 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10112 PRIVACY | CONTACT | UNSUBSCRIBE