Senators urge Trump administration to stop ‘phony crusade’ against fraud
By HME News Staff
Updated 9:03 AM CDT, Mon March 30, 2026
WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., in a March 26 letter demanded that President Donald Trump stop what they call his “phony crusade against fraud as a disguise to attack Medicaid programs in U.S.”
“Let us be clear: You are not going after the real fraudsters,” the senators said. “Instead, under the guise of ‘program integrity,’ you are cutting off vital funding for services that seniors, people with disabilities, and children rely on to survive and thrive in their communities.”
The Trump administration recently withheld $259 million in Medicaid funds from Minnesota and implemented a six-month moratorium on new Medicare supplier numbers for DMEPOS nationwide.
The senators say these actions undermine the home and community-based services that are a lifeline for seniors, Americans with disabilities and children.
“Without home care, Americans who need long-term services will be forced into nursing homes and institutions – a devastating rollback of civil rights that will ultimately cost taxpayers more,” the senators said. “Furthermore, home care agencies and independent care workers, who already operate on razor-thin margins while following the law, will be forced to shut their doors.”
Joining Widen in leading the letter were Sens. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., and Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. Joining Merkley as co-signers were Sens. Angela Alsobrooks, D-Md., Bernie Sanders, D-Vt., and Cory Booker, D-N.J.
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