Donald Trump says “children who will be spared” after Medicaid rule on gender-affirming care

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced on Tuesday a final rule ending federal Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program payments for puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgical procedures for minors, citing irreversible health risks and insufficient evidence. In a social media post, President Donald Trump welcomed the move, claiming that his administration’s pressure over the past eighteen months led dozens of U.S. hospitals to stop offering such care and predicted additional hospitals would follow, saying children would be protected. The rule allows a six-month taper for those already receiving drugs and still covers mental health services. CMS administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz said the policy follows science, saves taxpayer money, and shields children from harm. The decision affects federal funding and medical care for minors.