Trump Once Again Proposes to Cut Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid

WASHINGTON, March 11 -- Social Security Works issued the following statement by President Nancy Altman on the topline numbers of President Trump's fiscal 2020 budget:

"Donald Trump ran for president on a promise to keep his hands off Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. His latest budget proposal violates that promise yet again by cutting all three programs. His budget cuts Medicaid by $1.5 trillion - an indirect cut to Social Security for seniors who rely on Medicaid for long-term care benefits (Medicaid covers 6 in 10 nursing home residents). These seniors could now be forced to pay out of pocket or rely on already overburdened family members. The budget also cuts $845 billion from Medicare.

"Trump doesn't stop there. He also cuts SSA's already inadequate budget by $400 million, despite the fact that Social Security has a $2.9 trillion surplus. This will lead to office closures and longer wait times, making it more difficult for Americans to access the benefits they've earned.

"The budget also cuts $25 billion from Social Security disability benefits, presumably using Budget Director Mick Mulvaney's Orwellian logic that "Social Security disability insurance" is not part of Social Security!

"Unlike in 2016, Trump won't be able to lie his way back into office next year. He will have to answer to voters for his plans to cut their earned benefits - especially since Democrats are providing a clear contrast. This week, they are holding hearings on expanding, not cutting, Social Security's earned benefits."