Negotiating hostage release with Assad, Social Security benefits for poor kids, and why the Supreme Court should reject Trump’s tax appeal.
October 22, 2020 Editor’s note: Tuning into tonight’s presidential debate? Our foreign policy experts offered 10 questions for the candidates on national security, climate change, and more. Follow along with us at 9 PM ET as we share facts and vital information on the issues on Twitter via @BrookingsInst. |
| Trump’s tax returns: Why the Supreme Court should end things now Though a lot about the president’s financial situation has become clear after the New York Times’s revelations, a New York grand jury subpoena may require the president to turn over documents that prove illegality. Richard Lempert argues that there is no good reason why the Supreme Court should accept the president’s appeal on turning over his tax returns. Read more |
| We could abolish child poverty in the US with Social Security benefits for poor kids The federal government—and many state and local governments—failed to prioritize kids’ well-being when it came to COVID relief and policy measures, but the U.S. can and should do more to help vulnerable children when we emerge from the crisis. Melissa Kearney explains what would happen if children living in poverty received the same benefits as those living in poverty over the age of 65. Read more |
| Negotiating with the Assad regime over hostages “The administration’s interest in securing the release of American hostages is commendable, even if its motivations may be more electoral than humanitarian: Watching Tice walk off a plane in the U.S. before November 3 would be an October surprise that is likely part of the administration’s calculus.” Steven Heydemann outlines important things the Trump administration needs to keep in mind as it negotiates the release of hostages with the Assad regime. Read more |
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