USA Today's opinion division published possibly the second most notable op-ed to come out of President Donald Trump's administration. But unlike the scandalous anonymous op-ed published in the New York Times earlier this year, this one is written by the president. Its allegiance to the truth reflects that.
In the op-ed, the president makes egregious claims regarding a Medicare for All proposal that has seen a huge wave of Democratic support over the last few years.
.@usatodayopinion: Democrats want to outlaw private health care plans, taking away freedom to choose plans while le… https://t.co/JTWWuQoq3g— USA TODAY (@USA TODAY) 1539172168.0
The president says that Democrats are slashing Medicare by 800 billion dollars over the next ten years. The claim is false and, what's more, Republicans are proposing further cuts to Medicare. The president also parrots false Republican talking points deployed as scare tactics to sow further opposition to the controversial issue of accessible healthcare.
It's not unusual for Donald Trump to lie. In fact, many Americans have come to expect it. That may be why USA Today is receiving the brunt of the criticism against the op-ed.
@USATODAY @usatodayopinion Journalistic malpractice of the highest order. You are complicit, dangerous cowards for… https://t.co/ZuzwwzBpsE— Ramzy Nasrallah (@Ramzy Nasrallah) 1539174327.0
If USA Today was pitched an oped from any other columnists with this many outright falsehoods and exaggerations I t… https://t.co/kPloDuJ2Ma— Sam Stein (@Sam Stein) 1539175261.0
@USATODAY @realDonaldTrump @usatodayopinion This is a lie. The President is lying to the American people, and… https://t.co/taiYAo7nMo— Little Lobbyists (@Little Lobbyists) 1539175729.0
This is a flat-out lie. The DOJ currently has a lawsuit that would eliminate protections for pre-existing condition… https://t.co/UjQUBPw9iv— Emily C. Singer (@Emily C. Singer) 1539174220.0
Many saw the publication of the op-ed as dangerous in an era that frequently sees journalists and the institution of journalism itself ceaselessly under attack.
@USATODAY @realDonaldTrump @usatodayopinion This is so incredibly sad. At a time when news is under attack… https://t.co/UPHjQhmKgS— Anne-Marie Dorning (@Anne-Marie Dorning) 1539173956.0
This piece is riddled with factual errors, mischaracterizations and outright lies. What a slap in the face to eve… https://t.co/CzEUwamBLq— Brianna Wu (@Brianna Wu) 1539178931.0
@USATODAY @realDonaldTrump @usatodayopinion Thanks for spreading propaganda & nuking any credibility of journalism… https://t.co/6ycp53OZbe— Aaron Turkey day Troost ❄️️ (@Aaron Turkey day Troost ❄️️) 1539177075.0
Many believe that this op-ed is an attempt to affect the crucial 2018 midterms, now less than a month away.
Democrats have amped up criticisms against Republicans' health care approach, comparatively championing Medicare for All or at the very least, greatly expanded Medicare programs. A single payer health care system has become a crown jewel among Democratic Socialists like Bernie Sanders and imminent Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
While Republicans have lamented the cost that Medicare for All would impose, the system would actually be cheaper than the current health care system.
Many believe this op-ed indicates fear at the results of the upcoming elections and of Medicare for All's popularity. It's possible the Trump administration saw this as a chance to further motivate voters over 65 to support the Republican ticket.
this Trump op-ed was grown in a lab to scare the shit out of old white people and USA Today seemingly published it… https://t.co/CtNt5Fd6VR— Simon Maloy (@Simon Maloy) 1539184296.0
Trump and the Republican Party hate #MedicareForAll because it would be even more popular than current Medicare - a… https://t.co/4hxSaNyuV3— SocialSecurityWorks (@SocialSecurityWorks) 1539179387.0
Medicare for All is a really good idea. And a popular one. That's why Donald Trump and the GOP are so afraid of it.— Asher Huey (@Asher Huey) 1539184157.0
Twenty eight million Americans remain uninsured, so a comprehensive Medical for All plan with all its bases covered would undoubtedly be a boon in Democrats' efforts to begin undoing the damage of Donald Trump's White House.