BELOW SUPERNAV drop zone ⇩

Where does Trump stand on entitlement programs?

  • Trump indicated he might be open to cuts to Social Security and Medicare
  • He previously promised seniors they wouldn't see changes to the programs
  • He has also previously proposed cuts to other entitlement programs

Former US President Donald Trump during a Super Tuesday election night watch party at the Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida, US, on Tuesday, March 5, 2024. Trump notched a series of Republican presidential primary victories on Tuesday as he barrels closer toward his party’s nomination. Photographer: Eva Marie Uzcategui/Bloomberg via Getty Images

MAIN AREA TOP drop zone ⇩

(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.

2024 Election

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed

MAIN AREA MIDDLE drop zone ⇩

Trending on NewsNation

MAIN AREA BOTTOM drop zone ⇩

tt

KC Chiefs parade shooting: 1 dead, 21 shot including 9 kids | Morning in America

Witness of Chiefs parade shooting describes suspect | Banfield

Kansas City Chiefs parade shooting: Mom of 2 dead, over 20 shot | Banfield

WWE star Ashley Massaro 'threatened' by board to keep quiet about alleged rape: Friend | Banfield

Friend of WWE star: Ashley Massaro 'spent hours' sobbing after alleged rape | Banfield

Sunny

la

67°F Sunny Feels like 67°
Wind
2 mph N
Humidity
29%
Sunrise
Sunset

Tonight

Partly cloudy. Low 52F. Winds light and variable.
52°F Partly cloudy. Low 52F. Winds light and variable.
Wind
3 mph N
Precip
0%
Sunset
Moon Phase
Waning Gibbous