5. DEFICITS - The United States government’s dVERONIQUE DERUGY 101526

Rising National Deficit Entitlement Reform

Veronique de Rugy addresses the United States government’s $2 trillion deficit for fiscal year 2026, pointing out that spending is overwhelmingly driven by Social Security, Medicare, and escalating national debt interest payments. Drawing stark parallels to France’s debt crisis and economic stagnation, she cautions that taxing wealthy citizens cannot resolve the massive shortfall. Instead, de Rugy insists that structural entitlement reforms, such as means testing or benefit capping, are essential to restore sustainable fiscal health. (5)