Trump’s “one big beautiful bill” is now law, packed with front-loaded goodies and back-loaded pain. As Medicaid cuts loom and interest payments dwarf military spending, Democrats face a brutal fiscal reality. At this moment of deep political division, bold ideas to preserve American democracy are more important than ever. The Washington Monthly is an independent voice, listened to by insiders and willing to take on sacred cows—liberal and conservative. And we need your support.

The Social Security Administration circulated an imprecise email about the provisions in the new law. Here’s what it actually does.