Will Trump oppose GOP and keep his promise to maintain Social Security and Medicare?

Donald Trump made many promises as a candidate. Most of them he hopefully does not keep, such as banning immigrants and refugees based upon their religious beliefs or breaking up families through mass deportations. On the other hand, one promise he should keep is his promise to not cut funding for Medicare and Social Security, which millions of senior citizens depend on to survive in an environment of ever-increasing costs of living and medical care.

Trump vs. GOP

However, many Republican lawmakers' positions on Social Security are diametrically opposed to Trump's stated position. GOP lawmakers, led by Congressman Paul Ryan, have repeatedly worked towards cutting Medicare and Social Security and ultimately want to privatize the program. This would result in healthier seniors dropping out of traditional medicare causing increased Medicare spending as well as higher costs for seniors remaining in traditional Medicare, according to an article published by the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (NCPSSM). It is likely the GOP will test Trump's resolve to keep his campaign promise to look after America's senior citizens.

Broken promises not uncommon for Trump

Unfortunately, Trump has a habit of not keeping his campaign promises which can already be seen through his cabinet selections. Trump promised to “drain the swamp,” meaning to rid Washington D.C. of Wall Street influence. But, instead of looking out for the everyday American on Main Street, Trump has packed his cabinet full of Wall Street insiders. With this in mind, one has to wonder what the chances are that he will again turn his back on everyday Americans, particularly seniors who depend on benefits from the government.

Promise to repeal ACA contradictory to promise to maintain Medicare

Another factor which could cause an issue is that Trump and his Republican colleagues have promised to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA), otherwise known as Obamacare. The problem with this is that the ACA has greatly helped in refilling the Social Security trust fund, according to an article published by the NCPSSM. If the ACA is repealed without replacing it with another similar program it would be difficult to avoid having to cut the meager benefits that seniors are already receiving without raising taxes. An increase in taxes to fund government programs is now significantly less likely with the GOP in control of both the House and Senate.

Continue the pressure on Trump and GOP

It is essential that we keep up the political pressure on Trump and the Republicans to honor the wishes of the majority of Americans and steer clear of making cuts to Social Security and Medicare. Along with contacting your Congressperson or Senator one can help to apply political pressure against cutting these important social welfare programs through supporting already-existent organizations dedicated to preserving Social Security and Medicare. The NCPSSM has an outstanding record of success in lobbying lawmakers to not cut benefits. Another excellent organization is Social Security Works. If you have the financial ability to help, please consider these organizations for charitable donations.