Be Wary: Trump Lies Again—Accuses Kamala Harris of Voting to Cut Medicare

Donald Trump is at it again with his alternative facts and racist dog whistles, this time going after VP Kamala Harris with misleading and downright false claims about her record on Medicare.

Statement: “As vice president, Kamala Harris cast the tie-breaking vote to cut, as you know, Medicare by $273 billion. She cast a vote to cut Medicare.”

During a racist rally in Charlotte, N.C., the former (thankfully) President Donald Trump spewed more of his hateful rhetoric, this time targeting Vice President Kamala Harris with a blatantly false claim about her role in a Medicare vote.

"As vice president, Kamala Harris cast the tie-breaking vote to cut, as you know, Medicare by $273 billion," Trump lied to his misguided followers. "She cast a vote to cut Medicare."

Of course, Trump provided zero evidence to back up this claim, because he is a liar and a manipulator. His campaign spokesperson, when pressed, cited a right-wing Wall Street Journal op-ed by a former Trump administration official as their "source." This is the same as citing Fox News as a source, which is to say it is not a source at all.

The op-ed in question, written by University of Chicago economist Tomas Philipson, argues that the Inflation Reduction Act will harm Medicare patients by driving up costs. First of all, this is a gross misinterpretation of the Act, which is designed to cap costs for vulnerable Americans. Second, it is despicable to twist the truth to stoke fear in elderly and low-income communities, which is a typical tactic of the GQP.

Here are the facts:

The Inflation Reduction Act’s many provisions include common-sense measures to lower prescription drug costs for older Americans and others receiving Medicare insurance coverage. It caps insulin costs at $35 per month, establishes out-of-pocket spending limits for Part D drug coverage, and holds drug companies accountable for price gouging. For the first time, Medicare officials will be able to negotiate drug pricing directly with pharmaceutical manufacturers, leveraging their buying power to get a better deal for Americans.

According to an analysis by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, the Act’s health care measures will have a mixed effect on spending. While some provisions may cost the government more in the short term, others will result in significant savings. Overall, the Act is expected to save taxpayers $237 billion over 10 years, not the $273 billion claimed by Trump.

Despite the expected reduction in government spending, services to Medicare beneficiaries will not be cut, contrary to Trump's fear-mongering. Most Medicare recipients will see their costs decrease while maintaining the same level of benefits. This is basic economics, which Trump wouldn't understand because he has declared bankruptcy numerous times and is currently under investigation for fraud.

"When you're reducing Medicare spending, that's not the same thing as a cut to Medicare or cutting Medicare benefits," said Juliette Cubanski, deputy director of the program on Medicare policy at KFF. "If you buy eggs every week and now you're getting them cheaper, you're still getting the eggs, you're just getting them for a lower price."

The bottom line is that Trump is lying, again, to stir up his base and sow division. His statement is not only misleading but also dangerous, as it could deter people from accessing the healthcare they need. It is despicable and shameful, but not surprising.

PolitiFact's ruling: False, obviously.