FDR called the enactment of Social Security “a measure of protection” against the “hazards and vicissitudes of life,” specifically focusing on aging, disability, and the loss of a breadwinner, events that can and do happen to every American. He reasoned that the government, Ali Velshi explains, is not meant to serve the powerful; it is meant to protect and uplift ordinary people. But the Trump administration is rapidly dismantling federal regulations that have protected Americans for decades.
Between DOGE agency takeovers, layoffs and executive-ordered elimination of federal regulations, experts warn these cuts are threatening protections across every facet of our daily lives. The Environmental Protection Agency, FDIC, Food and Drug Administration, National Labor Relations Board and Consumer Financial Protection Board, among others, are being stripped of power and purpose.
This is not a partisan issue. Republicans, Democrats, Independents, Libertarians — everyone — drinks the same water, earns wages and is entitled to healthcare and protection from abuse and injury. Federal regulations prevent corporations from overcharging us, underpaying us, abusing and injuring us, poisoning our air and water, and carelessly handling our food in the name of profit over people.
Some regulations actually matter. Velshi brings back our fellow citizen, Betty, to demonstrate how gutting federal regulations will impact our real everyday lives over the next few months and years if we don’t act to protect ourselves.
LISTEN: VELSHI ON WHAT LIFE IS LIKE WITHOUT FEDERAL REGULATIONS
WATCH: VELSHI AND FORMER FDIC CHAIR SHEILA BAIR DISCUSS THE DANGER OF DOGE
MORE FROM MSNBC’S ALI VELSHI
