(PatriotWise.com) — Donald Trump has said that benefit entitlements should not be cut to save money. His remarks come as fellow Republicans grapple with the issue and demonstrate potential division as the 2024 Presidential election looms. Trump has begun criticizing his opponents for their position on cutting funds for Medicare and Social Security, including an attack on Ron DeSantis for voting to reduce Medicare spending during his time in Congress. He also condemned Nikki Haley for comments she made about Social Security and its impact on maintaining big government some years ago.
GOP division on benefit entitlements was demonstrated late last year when it was reported that House Speaker Kevin McCarthy had promised spending cuts to win over colleagues in his battle to become Speaker. He reportedly promised to cap government spending at 2022 levels, meaning that $130 billion in savings would need to be found. However, the message from inside the party has been one of inconsistency as to where these savings will come from. Rep. Michael Waltz (R-Fla.) for example said, “If we really want to talk about the debt and spending, it’s the entitlements programs.” His comments were followed by an assurance from Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) that social security would not be touched.
Now Trump has waded in and set out his stall, and he has support. Speaker McCarthy, despite his promise to find savings, has declared social security cuts to be “off the table,” while Senator J.D. Vance said any reduction in entitlement would be “politically stupid.”
Meanwhile, independent Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders has introduced legislation to expand benefits. He has called for increased taxes on high earners to fund the expansion and in doing so, will undoubtedly force Members of Congress to choose an ideological side of the debate. His position on the issue is likely to be favorable to Trump however as he will seek the support of older more conservative Americans, as well as blue-collar workers and their families.
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