In 2016, when Trump and Clinton were running for the presidency, Trump accused Clinton of having a fraudulent charity.

NPR decided to cover the story by also investigating Trump’s charity at the same time.

The result was Clinton’s charity was rated in the 90th percentile for delivering what they promised, while Trump’s was declared a fraud.

We should have recognized Trump’s pattern from that. He lies with ease and without shame. He can’t stop himself in his efforts to look smart and capable.

We should have learned.

He campaigned in 2024, declaring he would fix things on day one, and importantly, that he was not going to cut programs essential to the working class, poor and elderly.

Thursday morning, after the House of Representatives crafted a bill in the dark over two nights, we now have Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill.”

A quick summary: The Republicans had to find enough money to fund a renewal of a tax break for the rich. The laundry list of sacrifices that had to be made: Medicaid coverage which primarily covers children, the handicapped and elderly; Medicare; FEMA, right before hurricane season; SNAP, which feeds children–

The list is longer, but the summary is this. The rich pay less tax, thus gaining more income, and the middleclass and poor can’t afford food and essentials.

What we should have learned is that Trump always takes care of Trump. We, who cannot buy his crypto coins or give him a jet, do not matter to him.

CAROLYN MEDLAND,

Alcona Township