Donald Trump news today: 100 days in, Medicaid could be on chopping block as administration works to cut down debt
Share and Follow

CHICAGO (WLS) — It has been 100 days since President Donald Trump began his second term in office, and now Medicaid could be on the chopping block, as the administration works to cut down the nation’s debt.

The program keeps families from having to pay thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

But top Republicans say Medicaid spending is growing at a rate that is not justifiable.

The potential loss of Medicaid has families fearful they won’t be able to provide a future for their loved ones with disabilities. They said Tuesday it’s that uncertainty that has them up restless.

“We’re both in our 70s, and the question is, today, what about when we’re gone?” Ron Coppel said.

Some caregivers say the help they need can only be provided through Medicaid, and when they’re gone, institutions like Clearbrook will be the only way their loved ones with special needs will continue to thrive.

“Clearbrook is going to be providing; they’re replacing us somewhere in the future,” Coppel said.

It’s that thought that keeps Micki and Ron Coppel up at night.

They’re parents to twin brothers, Zach and KC, who are both living with autism. Both men are living in Clearbrook homes, an organization that provides care and support to those with intellectual or mental disabilities.

“Every one of our almost 1,000 employees is essentially funded by Medicaid,” Clearbrook CEO Jessica Smart said.

While President Trump is insisting Medicaid won’t have to be cut, he is still calling for $880 billion in cuts over 10 years from operations overseen by the House Energy and Commerce Committee. The Congressional Budget Office has said that mission can only be achieved by slashing Medicaid.

“I think when you say cutting Medicaid, the total spend on Medicaid should go down because Medicaid is not an efficient program,” former Republican National Committee member Richard Porter said.

Porter said the president hasn’t been focused on cutting Medicaid, but instead on finding places of redundancy, fraud and waste.

“What you’re going to see is finding ways to deliver the same service, but at a better price and a lower cost to the government. So, you know, I think that, is that a cut, or is that an improvement?” Porter said.

But even the president’s promise to protect services of Medicaid hasn’t been enough to comfort worrying families.

“Make your cuts, but make your cuts about things with the idea of caring for us or your people,” Coppel said.

Clearbrook, which serves nearly 8,000 people across the state, said, without their services, they fear their clients could end up in state-operated facilities.

Porter is encouraging others to trust in Trump’s plan and wait to see what happens.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
California man sues McDonald's after homeless man accused of attacking wife in drive-thru

California Lawsuit: Husband Sues McDonald’s Following Alleged Homeless Attack on Wife at Drive-Thru

A California man has filed a lawsuit against McDonald’s, claiming that employees…
Chicago crime: Surveillance video shows 1 of 7 burglaries near CTA Red Line stops in Edgewater, Uptown and West Rogers Park

Wave of Burglaries Hits Chicago’s Red Line: Surveillance Footage Unveils Edgewater, Uptown, and West Rogers Park Incidents

An Edgewater restaurant in Chicago recently fell victim to a theft, where…
US Group shares Iran target list with Trump administration

US Organization Reveals Iran Target List to Trump Team

The Trump administration has received a detailed list of crucial military targets,…
Louvre Museum in Paris hikes ticket prices for most non-European tourists | What to know

Louvre Museum in Paris Increases Ticket Prices for Non-European Tourists: Key Details

PARIS — Visitors to the Louvre are accustomed to seeing long queues…
Passengers baffled and confused after screams burst from beneath taxiing Air Canada plane

Passengers Perplexed as Unexpected Screams Erupt During Air Canada Taxiing Incident

Last month, an unsettling episode left passengers on a taxiing aircraft in…
Moment paraglider plunges into ocean from 500ft in the air

Dramatic Paragliding Incident: Pilot Falls into Ocean from 500 Feet

In a dramatic turn of events, a paraglider found himself plummeting nearly…
Two officers injured in Gainesville shooting; suspect dead

Gainesville Shooting Leaves Two Officers Wounded, Suspect Killed

In a tragic turn of events on Wednesday morning, a shooting incident…
'West Wing' actor Timothy Busfield turns himself in to face child sex abuse charges in New Mexico

Actor Timothy Busfield Surrenders to Authorities in New Mexico on Child Sex Abuse Allegations

Emmy Award-winning actor Timothy Busfield found himself in the spotlight for all…