The Price of Trump's Authoritarian Policies: Impact on African American Health and Well-Being

In these challenging times governed by Donald Trump’s autocratic regime, even the act of resting has emerged as a form of resistance. For Black Americans and other marginalized individuals burdened by Trump’s detrimental policies, sleep transforms into a necessity for survival rather than merely a restorative process. As protective measures fade and inequality intensifies, the inability to achieve sufficient restful sleep poses a grave threat to both health and life.Congressman Bennie Thompson warns that Trump’s initiatives—such as dismantling Black Lives Matter Plaza and cutting support for HBCUs—directly undermine Black history and voices. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) identifies a “triple threat” against Black households: reduced food aid, diminished Medicaid, and tariffs destabilizing Black-owned enterprises, amplifying financial stress that exacerbates exhaustion and sleep deprivation.Scientific studies underscore that insufficient sleep can lead to serious health issues, including obesity and metabolic disorders. In 2023, over 11 million Black individuals depended on food assistance, while 13 million relied on Medicaid or CHIP—programs under assault. As such resources dwindle, the dual pressures of financial instability and sleep disruption continue to compromise health outcomes for Black communities.