(MADISON, WI) — In President Trump’s latest mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic, he is preventing states from using Medicaid to respond to the worsening crisis. This prevents Wisconsin and other states from using every tool in their disposal to respond to the outbreak, reduce the spread of the virus, and treat those already infected.
“President Trump continues to botch his response to the COVID-19 pandemic that is sweeping across our country,” Democratic Party of Wisconsin Spokesperson Philip Shulman said. “Whether it was breaking his promise that everyone who wants to get tested would be able to or his most recent decision to prevent Wisconsin from using Medicaid to address this crisis, Trump is making this public health crisis worse.”
During the H1N1 flu crisis, Hurricane Katrina, and following the 9/11 attacks, states were given more leeway on how to use Medicaid to address the needs of their communities. Despite the growing urgency to address the spreading coronavirus, Trump continues to downplay the seriousness of the situation. Numerous reports have shown he is refusing to take bolder action because he thinks it would undercut his previous misleading and false statements.
“We need a stronger response from the federal government. Instead of worrying about his public image, Trump should do what is best for the American people: as the President of the United States, that is his sworn duty,” Shulman concluded.
###
