USA Today's opinion division published possibly the second most notable op-ed to come out of President Donald Trump's administration. But unlike the scandalous anonymous op-ed published in the New York Times earlier this year, this one is written by the president. Its allegiance to the truth reflects that.
In the op-ed, the president makes egregious claims regarding a Medicare for All proposal that has seen a huge wave of Democratic support over the last few years.
The president says that Democrats are slashing Medicare by 800 billion dollars over the next ten years. The claim is false and, what's more, Republicans are proposing further cuts to Medicare. The president also parrots false Republican talking points deployed as scare tactics to sow further opposition to the controversial issue of accessible healthcare.
It's not unusual for Donald Trump to lie. In fact, many Americans have come to expect it. That may be why USA Today is receiving the brunt of the criticism against the op-ed.
Many saw the publication of the op-ed as dangerous in an era that frequently sees journalists and the institution of journalism itself ceaselessly under attack.
Many believe that this op-ed is an attempt to affect the crucial 2018 midterms, now less than a month away.
Democrats have amped up criticisms against Republicans' health care approach, comparatively championing Medicare for All or at the very least, greatly expanded Medicare programs. A single payer health care system has become a crown jewel among Democratic Socialists like Bernie Sanders and imminent Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
While Republicans have lamented the cost that Medicare for All would impose, the system would actually be cheaper than the current health care system.
Many believe this op-ed indicates fear at the results of the upcoming elections and of Medicare for All's popularity. It's possible the Trump administration saw this as a chance to further motivate voters over 65 to support the Republican ticket.
Twenty eight million Americans remain uninsured, so a comprehensive Medical for All plan with all its bases covered would undoubtedly be a boon in Democrats' efforts to begin undoing the damage of Donald Trump's White House.
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