Fact Check: "Trump was surprised by changes affecting rural hospitals in the bill."
What We Know
Recent reports indicate that former President Donald Trump was indeed surprised by specific changes in a major legislative package that could significantly impact rural hospitals. According to Senator Josh Hawley, Trump was unaware of a provision in the Senate version of the reconciliation package that would likely lead to lower payments to rural hospitals (MSNBC). This revelation is notable considering that the bill had been under discussion for several months, and Trump had been actively lobbying for its passage (PBS).
The changes in question involve Medicaid provider taxes, which have historically provided additional funding to rural hospitals. The proposed cuts to these taxes could result in funding shortfalls for states, potentially jeopardizing the financial stability of these hospitals (PBS, CBS News).
Analysis
The claim that Trump was surprised by the changes affecting rural hospitals is supported by multiple credible sources. Senator Hawley's comments, reported by both MSNBC and PBS, suggest that Trump was not fully briefed on the implications of the proposed Medicaid cuts, which is consistent with his known approach to governance, often characterized by a lack of deep engagement with policy details (MSNBC, PBS).
The reliability of these sources is generally high. MSNBC is a well-known news network with a reputation for political reporting, while PBS is a respected public broadcasting service that provides in-depth news coverage. Both outlets have a history of fact-checking and providing context to political developments, which adds to their credibility.
However, it is important to note that while the reports indicate Trump's surprise, they do not provide direct quotes from Trump himself regarding his awareness of the specific changes. This lack of direct attribution could raise questions about the interpretation of Hawley's comments. Nonetheless, given the context and the nature of Trump's previous engagements with policy, the claim appears plausible.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The evidence supports the claim that Trump was surprised by the changes affecting rural hospitals in the legislative bill. Senator Hawley's statements, corroborated by multiple reputable news sources, indicate that Trump was unaware of significant provisions that could adversely affect rural healthcare funding. This aligns with Trump's historical approach to policy, which often lacks detailed engagement.
