WASHINGTON — A group of 31 U.S. Senators sent a letter to President Donald Trump on Thursday demanding he stop billionaire Elon Musk and his initiative known as the Department of Government Efficiency and from cutting Medicare and Medicaid funding. Last week, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services granted DOGE access to its systems and technology.

What You Need To Know

  • A group of 31 U.S. Senators sent a letter to President Donald Trump Thursday demanding he stop the Department of Government Efficiency and Elon Musk from cutting Medicare and Medicaid funding
  • Last week, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services granted DOGE access to its systems and technology
  • The agency oversaw outlays of $1.52 trillion in 2024– roughly 22% of the federal budget
  • The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services oversees four healthcare programs that 160 million American rely on, including 68 million seniors and people with disabilities on Medicare and 80 million Americans on Medicaid

“We are taking a thoughtful approach to see where there may be opportunities for more effective and efficient use of resources in line with meeting the goals of President Trump,” the CMS said in a statement Feb. 5.

The agency oversaw outlays of $1.52 trillion in 2024 – roughly 22% of the federal budget.

“We write to say no to Elon Musk and DOGE, and demand hands off Medicare or Medicaid. We strongly oppose any efforts by Musk — or anyone else in your administration — cutting or damaging these vital programs,” Democratic senators from 19 states and inedpendent Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders wrote in their letter. “Medicare and Medicaid must not be raided to pay for tax cuts for billionaires.

“Every cut risks Americans paying more, waiting longer, and wading through more insurance red tape for care. Every cut risks hospitals and community health centers struggling harder to keep their doors open and forcing health providers and workers out of their jobs.”

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services oversees four healthcare programs that 160 million American rely on, including 68 million seniors and people with disabilities on Medicare and 80 million Americans on Medicaid, the senators said.

The letter was signed by U.S. Senators including Adam Schiff, D-Calif.; Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass.; Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.; Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis.; Cory Booker, D-N.J.; Mark Kelly, D-Ariz.; and Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn.