Kevin Hassett says if Senate finds Medicare abuse, then “we would look at it” in Trump bill

The Trump administration is facing scrutiny over its sweeping budget proposal, with White House National Economic Council director Kevin Hassett denying any plans to target Medicare. In an interview on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan,” Hassett emphasized that Medicare is not on the table for cuts, despite rumors suggesting otherwise.

The House-passed budget bill, known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill” by President Trump, includes significant tax cuts, border security measures, and changes to Medicaid and food assistance programs. While Senate Republicans are currently working on the bill, concerns have been raised about the potential impact on Medicare.

Hassett refuted claims that Republicans are looking to slash Medicare, labeling such reports as “fake news.” However, he did acknowledge that if instances of waste, fraud, or abuse are uncovered in the program, the administration would be open to addressing them.

The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the bill could add $2.4 trillion to the national debt over the next decade. Some senators, like Thom Tillis, have expressed support for legislation targeting waste in the Medicare Advantage Program without affecting beneficiaries directly.

To fund President Trump’s tax reforms, including extending the 2017 tax cuts and eliminating taxes on tips, cuts to various programs have been proposed. While Republicans have denied targeting Medicaid, reductions in the low-income entitlement program have become a contentious issue.

House Republicans narrowly passed the bill last month, and it is now under consideration in the Senate. Hassett urged the Senate to pass the bill and work with the House to resolve any differences. However, some Republican senators, such as Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, and Josh Hawley, have voiced concerns about the Medicaid provisions, particularly new premium requirements for low-income recipients.

Hassett emphasized the importance of passing the legislation, warning that failure to do so could have negative consequences for the economy. He highlighted the potential job losses and impact on GDP if the bill is not approved.

Senate Republicans are expected to unveil their version of the bill soon, which may require further negotiations with the House before reaching President Trump’s desk. The outcome of these discussions will determine the future of the budget proposal and its impact on Medicare and other key programs.