Trump Stripping Away Consumer Protections

President Donald Trump is taking aim at consumer protections, rolling back rules that protect Americans from financial fraud, predatory lending, and environmental pollution.In the past month, Trump has signed executive orders to weaken regulations on banks, credit card companies, and payday lenders. He has also proposed deep cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which would roll back regulations on air pollution, water pollution, and toxic chemicals.Trump’s attacks on consumer protections are part of a broader effort to deregulate the economy. He believes that regulations are burdensome to businesses and stifle economic growth. However, research shows that regulations are essential to protect consumers and ensure a fair and competitive marketplace.For example, a recent study by the Center for American Progress found that regulations saved consumers $1.7 trillion in 2016. The study also found that regulations reduced the number of Americans who were victims of fraud by 50%.Trump’s attacks on consumer protections are a dangerous and misguided attempt to roll back the clock on decades of progress. These regulations are essential to protecting Americans from harm and ensuring a fair and competitive marketplace.Here are some of the specific ways that Trump is stripping away consumer protections:* **Weakening regulations on banks:** Trump has signed an executive order that rolls back regulations put in place after the financial crisis of 2008. These regulations were designed to prevent banks from taking on too much risk and engaging in reckless lending practices.* **Eliminating protections for payday lenders:** Trump has proposed a rule that would allow payday lenders to charge even higher interest rates. Payday lenders are notorious for trapping consumers in a cycle of debt, and these new rules would make it even easier for them to do so.* **Cutting funding for the EPA:** Trump has proposed deep cuts to the EPA, which would roll back regulations on air pollution, water pollution, and toxic chemicals. These regulations protect Americans from harmful pollutants and ensure that our air and water are safe to breathe and drink.Trump’s attacks on consumer protections are a threat to the health and safety of Americans. We must stand up and fight back against these dangerous policies.