(NewsNation) — Former President Donald Trump’s team has been trying to walk back comments he made suggesting he was open to cuts to Medicare and Social Security. His team has argued the remarks were taken out of context and referred to cutting waste, not benefits for seniors.
But where has Trump stood on entitlement programs in the past?
Social Security
Trump has said previously he would not cut a single penny from Social Security or Medicare though he hasn’t necessarily offered more details. He has also opposed raising taxes to fund either program, promising seniors they won’t see cuts in their benefits.
In 2020, Trump’s budget plans did include a $71 billion cut to Social Security. The plan also added an additional review process for disability benefits, something advocates said would make it more difficult for people to get and keep those benefits.
He also proposed cuts to Supplemental Security Income, which would have primarily affected families who have children with disabilities.
Medicare
As with Social Security, Trump has promised seniors he wouldn’t take away their benefits. But he has previously proposed cuts to provider payments and increasing privatization of the system.
The American Medical Association warned physicians were already struggling with low reimbursement rates that could result in delays in care as more doctors might opt not to accept Medicare because of low rates.
Unemployment Insurance
Trump hasn’t made specific campaign promises on unemployment benefits, though he did increase benefits during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Welfare programs
Trump has a history of making or proposing cuts to various welfare programs, including Medicaid, food assistance, housing assistance and temporary cash assistance. He hasn’t specifically spoken about proposals for these programs during the campaign, focusing on entitlement programs that primarily benefit older voters.