Trump: States Must Fund Daycare, Medicare, Medicaid

President Donald Trump stated during an Easter lunch reception at the White House on Wednesday that the federal government cannot afford to fund daycare, Medicare, or Medicaid programs, emphasizing that states should handle and finance such services through potential tax increases. Speaking to an audience of over 100 faith leaders in the East Room, Trump argued that ongoing military commitments leave limited resources for domestic social programs.

The event, intended as a private gathering, was inadvertently broadcast live on the White House's YouTube channel before the video was made private. In his remarks, Trump recounted directing Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought not to allocate federal funds for daycare. "Don't send any money for daycare because the United States can't take care of daycare," Trump said. He added, "We're fighting wars. We can't take care of daycare. You got to let a state take care of daycare, and they should pay for it, too. They should pay. They'll have to raise their taxes, but they should pay for it."

Trump highlighted the scale of the country as a factor, noting, "We're a big country. We have 50 states. We have all these other...