After signing the above executive order on Thursday, the president came back on Friday to deal another blow to Obamacare. This time he signed orders to end key federal subsidies paid to insurance companies under the Affordable Care Act. Those who have a stake in the status quo, and these subsidies, called the move "drastic."
But what can be more drastic than the federal government taking over the nation's health care?
Truth be told, the subsidies for health insurance for those under--or even much above--the poverty level wasn't some altruistic attempt by our betters to provide insurance for the poor as much as an attempt to create a whole new entitlement program. Which is something that the United States cannot afford right now. Have we mentioned the $20 trillion national debt lately?
Besides, Congress never appropriated money for these subsidies, as the Trump administration is quick to point out, and the U.S. Constitution is very clear that the president can't spend money until Congress appropriates it.
These moves by the president may not be as all-encompassing as Repeal & Replace, but every step is heading in the right direction.
Editorial on 10/15/2017