Dear Editor,
The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) estimates that the first 100 hours of the Iranian war, “Epic Fury,” cost $3.7 billion. With $3.5 billion of that unbudgeted, we are on track to spend approximately $26 billion in the first month alone.
While the administration remains vague on the strategic necessity of this conflict, the $26 billion provides a very clear picture of what we are sacrificing at home. For the cost of just 30 days of war, we could: End Chronic Homelessness: Experts estimate $10B - $15B could provide permanent supportive housing for every chronically homeless person in the U.S., leaving billions leftover to renovate aging public housing.
Educate Our Children: We could fund Universal Pre-K for roughly 6 million children, an investment widely considered to have the highest ROI in public policy.
Fix Our Infrastructure: We could repair a large share of the 46,000 “structurally deficient” bridges in the U.S., or fully fund the FAA’s $22B radar and air traffic control modernization to help end travel delays.
Direct Stimulus: We could send a $200 “America First” check to every U.S. household.
While the President’s supporters, like a well-rehearsed chorus, cheer the knockout of the Iranian regime, we have to ask: would the average American prioritize this war over safe bridges, affordable housing, or their own children’s education? If Trump is truly “America First,” the math doesn’t add up.
Ace Jones, Greensboro