UPDATE: Former New York Times columnist and Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman has launched a fierce counterattack against Donald Trump after the president insulted him on social media. Trump labeled Krugman a “Deranged BUM” on Truth Social over the weekend, prompting an immediate response from the economist.
In a scathing post on his Substack titled “Trump Plays the Carnage Card,” Krugman characterized the insult as “a great honor,” humorously noting, “I have now added ‘Deranged BUM’ to my Substack profile.” This exchange follows Krugman’s criticism of Trump’s tariffs and his handling of a disappointing jobs report.
Trump’s remarks come amid rising tensions in Washington D.C., where he announced plans to deploy 800 National Guard troops and place the city’s police department under temporary federal control. This decision was made following an incident involving Edward Coristine, a former staffer for the cryptocurrency platform DOGE, who was allegedly “beaten mercilessly” in an attempted carjacking on August 3, 2023.
Trump has posted graphic images from the crime scene, alleging that crime in D.C. is “out of control.” However, police data indicates that violent crime in the city hit a three-decade low last year. Krugman vehemently condemned this portrayal, calling it “malicious nonsense” and designed to instill fear while diverting attention from pressing economic issues.
“Anyone who either lives there or looks at crime data knows that this is malicious nonsense. But we can’t take it for granted that the rest of the country will understand that he’s lying,” Krugman stated.
He further questioned whether Trump would face ridicule for his “absurd claims” and suggested that the narrative serves to distract from the “weakening economy” and ongoing conspiracy theories regarding Jeffrey Epstein.
Krugman told the Daily Beast that he feels “flattered” by Trump’s attention, remarking, “He must think people are listening.” His comments underscore the intense political atmosphere as Trump prepares to send more troops to the capital.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has criticized Trump’s actions as an “authoritarian push,” reflecting the growing unease surrounding federal involvement in local law enforcement.
As developments unfold, analysts and residents alike are watching closely to see how this escalating conflict will impact the political landscape and public perception of safety in D.C. What remains clear is that tensions are high, with both Krugman and Trump intensifying their rhetoric as the nation approaches a pivotal election season.
