Senate Republicans Eye Medicare Cuts to Fund Trumps Domestic Agenda

Senate Republicans are considering cuts to Medicare ‘waste’ as part of President Donald Trump’s domestic agenda bill. Several senators revealed that the party is exploring ways to reduce “waste, fraud, and abuse” within Medicare to fund the expansive legislation. President Trump has endorsed this approach, emphasizing that no cuts to beneficiaries will be made.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., stated that while Republicans have primarily focused on Medicaid for savings, they are now open to examining other programs, including Medicare. Thune noted, “The focus, as you know, has been on addressing waste, fraud, abuse within Medicaid and, but right now, we’re open to suggestions that people have them about other areas where there is, you know, clearly, waste, fraud and abuse that can be rooted out in any government program.”

Historically, Medicare has been considered a political third rail, with both parties cautious about making changes due to potential backlash from older voters. However, Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., argued that Republicans should not shy away from cutting waste in Medicare, focusing specifically on eliminating fraud and abuse.

The discussions about Medicare cuts emerged during a closed-door meeting and were also addressed when Senate Finance Committee Republicans met with Trump. Trump reiterated his stance against cutting benefits but stressed the need to target waste, fraud, and abuse.

White House spokesman Kush Desai confirmed the president’s position, stating, “The president has been clear — no cuts to Medicare, Social Security, or Medicaid. This bill addresses waste, fraud, and abuse in government spending.”

Democrats have criticized the GOP’s discussions about Medicare changes, with Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin accusing Republicans of planning to “gut Medicare” to fund tax handouts for billionaires.

GOP leaders are seeking ways to reduce the cost of the House-passed bill, which the Congressional Budget Office projects would add $2.4 trillion to the national debt over the next decade. The bill includes cuts to Medicaid and health spending, which Republicans claim target “waste, fraud, and abuse.”

Some conservative senators insist on mitigating the deficit to support the bill. However, there is skepticism within the GOP about pursuing Medicare cuts, with Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., warning against touching Medicare, recalling past Republican failures when attempting to cut retirement spending.

Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, expressed surprise at the talks about Medicare cuts, stating she would not support cutting Medicare benefits but acknowledged the possibility of addressing waste, fraud, and abuse.

A potential bipartisan solution mentioned is the “No UPCODE Act,” co-sponsored by Sens. Bill Cassidy, R-La., and Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., which aims to improve Medicare Advantage plans and reduce overpayments, potentially saving $124 billion over 10 years.