During an Easter lunch at the White House on Wednesday, former President Donald Trump, 79, made a candid admission regarding the nation’s financial priorities. He stated that the United States lacks the funds to support federal daycare and healthcare programs due to the costs associated with military engagements, specifically referencing a conflict in Iran.

Funding Priorities and State Control

“We have to take care of one thing: military protection,” Trump said. He argued that programs like daycare should be managed at the state level. “The United States can’t take care of daycare. That has to be up to a state,” he explained, adding that states should also bear the financial responsibility.

Healthcare and Federal Spending

Trump extended this argument to Medicaid and Medicare, suggesting these programs could also be better administered and funded by individual states rather than through federal initiatives. “You can’t do it on a federal [level],” he stated. “We have to take care of one thing: military protection—we have to guard the country.”

Conflict in Iran and Casualties

The former president referenced a conflict in Iran, stating approximately 1,600 people have been killed, including at least 244 children. He also indicated a shift in the conflict's objectives. “We are going to hit them extremely hard over the next two to three weeks. We’re going to bring them back to the Stone Ages, where they belong,” Trump said.

Regime Change Discussion

Trump initially claimed regime change was not the goal of U.S. involvement, but later stated, “Regime change has occurred because of all of their original leaders’ deaths.” Discussions regarding the situation are reportedly ongoing.

Political Reactions

Progressive Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren responded to Trump’s comments, suggesting federal funds could be better allocated to domestic programs. “Imagine if instead of funding forever wars in the Middle East, the United States delivered universal child care and health care for all Americans,” Warren stated.

Democratic Pennsylvania Representative Brendan Boyle, ranking member of the House Budget Committee, criticized Republicans for potentially cutting healthcare funding to support Trump’s military actions. “Now, Republicans in Washington want to rip health care away from even more people to fund Trump’s reckless war in the Middle East. It’s shameful,” Boyle said, echoing previous statements made since the conflict began on February 28th.