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The Cost of Trump’s Authoritarian Agenda: Black Health and Rest

September 1, 2025

Under Donald Trump's administration, Black Americans and other marginalized groups are facing severe challenges that impact their ability to get proper rest, which research indicates is essential for health and survival. Congressman Bennie Thompson has highlighted specific actions by Trump that directly target Black communities, including dismantling diversity programs and reducing HBCU funding. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities has identified a "triple threat" to Black households through cuts to essential programs like food assistance and Medicaid, creating financial stress that contributes to poor sleep.

Who is affected

  • Black Americans and other marginalized groups
  • 11 million Black people in households receiving food assistance
  • 13 million people relying on Medicaid or CHIP
  • Black-owned businesses affected by tariffs
  • Families forced to choose between food, rent, and medical care

What action is being taken

  • Trump is dismantling diversity programs
  • Trump is slashing funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
  • Trump is removing Black figures from government websites
  • Trump is tearing down Black Lives Matter Plaza
  • The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) is tracking what they call a "triple threat" to Black households

Why it matters

  • Poor sleep and disrupted body rhythms drive obesity and metabolic disease
  • Sleep deprivation weakens decision-making and self-control
  • Sleep loss increases hunger and insulin resistance, contributing to type 2 diabetes
  • Chronic sleep deprivation is linked to obesity, heart disease, and cancer
  • The combination of political oppression and health vulnerability creates a severe impact on Black communities' overall wellbeing
  • Essential support programs that 11-13 million Black Americans rely on are under threat

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint