Ant Thornton, Senator of New Mexico, said that politicians from both parties have failed to address the growing budget deficit by relying on money printing instead of reducing spending. This statement was made on X.
"Let's face it… even if the Big Beautiful Bill passes the Senate, the GOP has failed us," said Anthony L. Thornton, New Mexico State Senator from 198th District (R). "The budget deficit will continue to grow because the politicians are too afraid to make the hard decisions to “cut government spending. It's so much easier to print money to pay for government's appetite. Then blame the ensuing inflation on those greedy corporate types and NOT the government printing press."
In May 2025, the U.S. Senate faced internal division over the "One Big Beautiful Bill," a comprehensive tax and spending proposal supported by former President Trump. The bill, which narrowly passed the House, aimed to extend 2017 tax cuts and increase defense spending but is projected to raise the deficit by $3.8 trillion over the next decade. Senators Ron Johnson and Rand Paul criticized it for lacking fiscal responsibility. According to the New York Post, this bill highlights the challenges in achieving bipartisan support for efforts to reduce the deficit.
According to the Bipartisan Policy Center, the U.S. federal budget deficit for fiscal year 2025 is projected at $1.9 trillion, or approximately 6.5% of GDP. This figure is similar to 2024’s levels and raises concerns due to its occurrence during a period of economic growth and low unemployment. The Congressional Budget Office warns that persistent high deficits will worsen national debt and limit future fiscal flexibility.
A 2023 analysis from the MIT Sloan School of Management found that federal spending during the COVID-19 pandemic significantly contributed to the inflation surge of 2022. While monetary policy is often cited as a primary tool for controlling inflation, the study highlights that fiscal actions—including direct stimulus payments and expanded government programs—played a central role in elevating demand beyond supply capabilities. This underscores how fiscal stimulus can intensify inflation under certain conditions.
According to the New Mexico Sun, Ant Thornton is a Republican member of the New Mexico Senate, representing District 19 since 2024. A retired aerospace engineer with a Ph.D., he entered politics to bring technical insight and conservative values to state governance. Thornton’s legislative priorities include voter ID laws, border security, anti-human trafficking measures, and protections for parental rights in education. His agenda reflects a focus on public safety and civic accountability.
