Trump has spent more than $25 billion on his Iran war and wants $200 billion more. Governing, the political sages tell us, is all about making choices, particularly when leadership faces finite resources and the choices are between war and peace; this is the “guns or butter” balancing raised by Lyndon Johnson’s pursuit of the Vietnam War and, appropriately, by President Trump’s Iran war. The issue has especially acute significance today, not merely because of the Iran war. Voices Hiltzik: Those job numbers tell us that Trump’s economy really stinks A huge loss in jobs is a reminder that Trump’s policies have stifled economic growth all year, and the Iran war will only make things worse. Its roster includes the cancellation of all medical debt for the 100 million Americans shouldering about $194 billion in medical debt.

Source: Los Angeles Times March 25, 2026 14:32 UTC