An Attack on Healthcare: The First 100 Days Under the Trump-Vance Administration

Editorial By Liza Blinn '27

In only a few days, the Trump-Vance administration began their limitations on organizations, nonprofits, and federally funded programs; all of which aim to educate and provide assortments of healthcare services. These sudden slashes, powered funding freezes and mass layoffs, attack the basic needs of accessible healthcare. And so, in just one week, the cabinet accomplished revoking executive orders issuing reproductive healthcare protection, pardoning 23 anti-abortion activists (all of which were convicted of breaking the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act), along with reinstalling “the global gag rule,” a rule that prohibits any Non-American funded group from participating in abortion related services. They too, eliminated the “reproductiverights.gov” site, just in time to announce a withdrawal from the World Health Organization, a company providing accessible, global aid, and healthcare to countries all over the world.

In fact, on the very first day of the Trump-Vance administration, DEI, (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) had been slashed from funding by the federal government. A service

aiding in addressing employee discrimination based on race, gender, or sex. They, as well, were one of the most prolific accessibility vehicles, providing equitable healthcare for marginalized groups; those most affected by systemic racism, global barriers, and/or other economic factors. DOGE, (Department of Government Efficiency) too, managed to dismantle USAID, (US Agency for Foreign Development) an organization dedicated to supporting, supplying, and supervising foreign countries with needed aid. DOGE had claimed, “USAID does not support America's core interests or values.” In response, the UN foresees 17.1 million unintended pregnancies and 34,000 preventable maternal pregnancies worldwide due to cuts in funding. 

Individuals have also been questioning the qualifications of the Trump Administration's board in leading the United States. For instance, DOGE, headed by Elon Musk, has faced heavy criticism for its defunding of projects not aligned with the president's agenda. The Appointed Secretary of HHS (Department of Health and Human Services), Robert F. Kennedy, Jr is also facing heavy backlash for his more conservative values and for drifting the department away from its original goal at “enhancing the health and well-being of Americans.” He also faced backlash for his condemnation of the drug Mifepristone, an FDA approved drug, used to manage abortions and miscarriages. On topic, Martin Makary, newly appointed FDA head, expressed his opinion on the drug too, refusing to acknowledge decades of scientific evidence proving Mifepristone’s safety. Other notable Trump-Vance cabinet members include Pami Bondi the Attorney General, Dean Sauer the Solicitor General, and Marco Rubio the Secretary of State who have all faced criticism for their beliefs and qualifications. Posing a threat to global healthcare, the power, influence, and popularity of these individuals can sadly overrule any program or policy ever put in place. 

In just 100 days, the Trump-Vance administration caused irreversible damage; endangering the lives of millions, putting their own civilian health in the hands of unregulated, and untrained “professionals.” This campaign, fueled by lucrative fundings, intimidation, and unlawful divestments only support Trump's agenda of Project 2025. And so, As the Trump-Vance administration continues to lay this groundwork, policymakers are struggling to keep up; they can no longer provide the accessible and equitable healthcare we, the American people, were promised.

All Photos Courtesy of statnews.com

Source: guttmacher.org

Edited by: Kavya Chacko '26 & Ms. Brillant

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