Build Back Better

U.S. Media

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14 days

Summary

sources
23
Narrative Items
24
Bottom Line Up Front

23 sources in U.S. Media are amplifying 24 narrative items relating to the narrative that the Trump Transportation Department efficiently approved over 405 infrastructure grants worth nearly $5 billion, reducing a backlog blamed on prior "wasteful social justice and green mandates." This framing connects fiscal responsibility with faster project completion, highlighted by a major Alabama bridge grant.

Reviewing a number of the most relevant narrative items indicates that The Center Square portrays the event in a positive light, emphasizing efficient management and fiscal responsibility by the Trump Transportation Department. The language used is loaded and politically charged, with phrases like "wasteful social justice and green mandates" reflecting a clear ideological bias against previous policies. This choice of words serves to frame the prior administration’s initiatives as obstacles to progress and government waste, appealing to an audience critical of such mandates. Unlike more neutral or bipartisan reports, this coverage leans into partisan rhetoric and highlights Secretary Duffy’s statements approvingly, likely aiming to bolster support among conservative readers. The focus on the large $550 million grant to Alabama serves to underscore tangible benefits, reinforcing a narrative of effective governance and prioritization of infrastructure projects.

About This Module

The U.S. Media module tracks a broad range of American media sources, including major television, cable, print, and online organizations.

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Sources

Sources by Type
Sources of these types represent most of the amplification activity around this narrative
Created with Highcharts 11.1.0Chart context menuLeft-Center​Bias ​41.7%​Left-Center​Bias ​41.7%Right Bias ​33.3%​Right Bias ​33.3%Left Bias ​20.8%​Left Bias ​20.8%Right-​Center Bias ​4.2%​Right-​Center Bias ​4.2%
sources by Volume
These sources are amplifying the most items involved in this narrative. Click to see details of each source's narrative activity.
Created with Highcharts 11.1.0Chart context menuCity and​State New​York ​8.3%​City and​State New​York ​8.3%Free​Republic ​4.2%​Free​Republic ​4.2%Common​Dreams ​4.2%​Common​Dreams ​4.2%The Center​Square ​4.2%​The Center​Square ​4.2%Counter​Punch ​4.2%​Counter​Punch ​4.2%Vox ​4.2%​Vox ​4.2%DCReport​Media ​4.2%​DCReport​Media ​4.2%Eurasia​Review ​4.2%​Eurasia​Review ​4.2%MSNBC ​4.2%​MSNBC ​4.2%Daily Signal ​4.2%​Daily Signal ​4.2%World​Tribune ​4.2%​World​Tribune ​4.2%CNN ​4.2%​CNN ​4.2%Fox News ​4.2%​Fox News ​4.2%NBC News ​4.2%​NBC News ​4.2%Asheville​Citizen-​Times ​4.2%​Asheville​Citizen-​Times ​4.2%The Herald​(Everett) ​4.2%​The Herald​(Everett) ​4.2%Other ​29.2%​Other ​29.2%
Top sources
Day-by-day volumetric activity of sources amplifying the most items around this narrative
City and State New York
8% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
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NBC News
4% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
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CNN
4% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
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Fox News
4% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
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MSNBC
4% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Created with Highcharts 11.1.0May 20May 22May 24May 26May 28
Independent Journal Review
4% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Created with Highcharts 11.1.0May 20May 22May 24May 26May 28
Counter Punch
4% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Created with Highcharts 11.1.0May 20May 22May 24May 26May 28
Common Dreams
4% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Created with Highcharts 11.1.0May 20May 22May 24May 26May 28
Vox
4% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Created with Highcharts 11.1.0May 20May 22May 24May 26May 28
The Herald (Everett)
4% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Created with Highcharts 11.1.0May 20May 22May 24May 26May 28
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Top Items

These narrative items are the most relevant and/or the most amplified. Click to see details and suggested messages.
Amplifiers:
The Center Square
thecentersquare.com
Trump transportation department has approved over 400 infrastructure grants
The Trump Transportation Department approved over 405 infrastructure grants totaling nearly $5 billion, reducing a backlog inherited from the previous administration. Secretary Duffy attributed the backlog to "wasteful social justice and green mandates," claiming their removal saves taxpayer money and speeds project completion. A $550 million Alabama bridge project received the largest grant.
Amplifiers:
Armstrong Economics
armstrongeconomics.com
80% of French Women Want Military to Protect Them From Migrant Criminals
High crime rates, particularly sexual assaults by foreign nationals, have spurred fear among French women. Eighty percent want military protection, reflecting broader concerns about the impact of immigration on safety and societal values in France, where foreigners comprise 10% of the population. The government's recent efforts to control immigration are seen as insufficient.
Amplifiers:
Free Republic
freerepublic.com
Biden’s Worst Law - The Inflation Reduction Act will burden the American economy for years.
The Inflation Reduction Act, despite its name, significantly increased the national debt and inflation. Intended to benefit ordinary Americans, it funneled billions to green corporations and nonprofits, often through questionable means and with inflated cost estimates. The act's lasting negative economic impact is predicted to burden Americans for years.
Amplifiers:
City and State New York
cityandstateny.com
Commentary: Retrenchment and reconstruction as nonprofits prepare for the worst
Facing a potential nonprofit sector "crash," proactive organizations are employing retrenchment strategies, including risk management and mission-based cost-cutting. A robust, philanthropically-funded infrastructure is needed to support restructuring, including expert advisors and specialized funding. Post-crisis reconstruction offers an opportunity to build a more efficient and effective nonprofit sector.
Amplifiers:
City and State New York
cityandstateny.com
Commentary: Retrenchment and reconstruction as nonprofits prepare for the worst
Nonprofits face an impending crisis requiring immediate retrenchment and restructuring. Forward-thinking organizations are preparing for widespread contraction by managing risk, prioritizing missions, and planning for worst-case scenarios. A robust philanthropic infrastructure, including experienced restructuring officers and specialized funding, is crucial for navigating this crisis and fostering a better, more efficient nonprofit sector post-reconstruction.
Amplifiers:
World Tribune
worldtribune.com
Polls: Economy ‘strong’ for first time since 2021; Trump approval surges
A Harvard CAPS-Harris Poll shows a majority of Americans view the economy as "strong" for the first time since July 2021, coinciding with a surge in President Trump's approval ratings across multiple polls. This positive economic outlook contrasts sharply with negative sentiment during the Biden administration.
Amplifiers:
DCReport Media
dcreport.org
Biden Ran for Good Reasons
Despite imperfections, Biden's presidency enacted impactful populist policies, rivaling the New Deal. His 2020 win was crucial, and his 2024 run, though criticized in hindsight, stemmed from a lack of viable alternatives against Trump. While hampered by Senate opposition, Biden's progressive efforts deserve recognition.
Amplifiers:
Asheville Citizen-Times
citizen-times.com
Opinion: Democrats must launch offensive of lawsuits, rallies, to fight DOGE, MAGA chaos
Democrats must aggressively counter the Trump administration's chaos ("DOGE") through lawsuits and rallies. The author argues that a defensive strategy is ineffective against the deliberate, widespread destruction caused by MAGA's actions. Offensive action, mirroring successful resistance movements in other countries, is crucial to protect democracy.
Amplifiers:
Fox News
foxnews.com
House Republicans nearing vote on Trump's 'Big, Beautiful Bill'
House Republicans are pushing for a vote on Trump's "Big, Beautiful Bill," facing potential delays from Democrats and internal GOP dissent. Despite holdouts, Speaker Johnson aims for a Thursday vote, employing tactics to secure passage. The bill's future hinges on securing enough votes and navigating Senate negotiations before the August debt ceiling deadline.
Amplifiers:
Daily Signal
dailysignal.com
AP’s Shift to the Left Coincides With Support From Leftist Donors
The Associated Press's increasing reliance on funding from left-leaning organizations raises concerns about its objectivity. Critics point to instances where AP's reporting aligns with its donors' agendas, particularly in coverage of school choice, Israel, and climate change. While AP maintains editorial independence, the funding model's impact on its perceived neutrality is debated.
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Entities

Tap or click for details
These entities are mentioned most frequently in the narratives highlighted in this brief. Click to see details of narrative activity related to each one.
Organizations
Trump Transportation Department
The department responsible for approving infrastructure grants during the Trump administration.
Events
Trump Transportation Department infrastructure grants
Over 405 infrastructure grants approved totaling nearly $5 billion.
People
Secretary Duffy
Secretary of the Trump Transportation Department who commented on the infrastructure grant backlog.
Organizations
Trump Transportation Department
The department responsible for approving infrastructure grants during the Trump administration.
Events
Trump Transportation Department infrastructure grants
Over 405 infrastructure grants approved totaling nearly $5 billion.
People
Secretary Duffy
Secretary of the Trump Transportation Department who commented on the infrastructure grant backlog.

Context

The approval of over 405 infrastructure grants totaling nearly $5 billion by the Trump Transportation Department reflects a significant federal effort to address longstanding infrastructure needs across the United States. Infrastructure projects, such as the $550 million bridge project in Alabama, are critical for economic growth, public safety, and connectivity. The reduction of the backlog inherited from the previous administration suggests a shift in priorities and management style, emphasizing efficiency and cost savings.

Demographically, infrastructure improvements can have varied impacts. Regions with aging populations or growing urban centers may benefit from enhanced transportation networks, which support mobility, access to jobs, and economic development. Alabama, with a diverse population and a mix of urban and rural areas, stands to gain from improved infrastructure that can stimulate local economies and improve quality of life.

Socially, the controversy over "wasteful social justice and green mandates" highlights ongoing debates about the role of environmental regulations and equity considerations in federal spending. Removing such mandates may speed project completion and reduce costs, but it can also raise concerns about environmental sustainability and the equitable distribution of infrastructure benefits, especially for marginalized communities.

Economically, investing in infrastructure is vital for maintaining competitiveness, reducing transportation costs, and creating jobs. The focus on reducing backlogs and streamlining approvals aligns with goals to boost economic productivity. Politically, this approach reflects the Trump administration’s broader agenda of deregulation and prioritizing traditional infrastructure over environmental or social policy considerations.

From a national security perspective, robust infrastructure supports military logistics and emergency response capabilities. Efficient transportation networks are essential for mobilizing resources and personnel. Geographically, the emphasis on projects like the Alabama bridge underscores the importance of maintaining critical infrastructure in diverse regions, including the Southeast, which is prone to natural disasters and requires resilient transportation systems.
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