MAGA Senator's Pro-Trump 'Challenge' Backfires as He's Hit With Proof He's Wrong

Senator Mike Lee's claim that Trump didn't close any rural hospitals is quickly disproven by multiple sources.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT), a staunch ally of former President Donald Trump, challenged anyone to name a single rural hospital or clinic that Trump had closed. However, Lee was quickly proven wrong as numerous sources provided examples of rural healthcare facilities that were shuttered under Trump's policies.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing partisan divide over Trump's record, with Republicans defending his actions and Democrats accusing him of harming working-class Americans. The closure of rural hospitals is a significant issue, as it reduces access to healthcare for vulnerable populations.

The details

After Lee's challenge, several commentators provided specific examples of rural hospitals and clinics that had closed under the Trump administration. These included the Glenn Medical Center in Willows, California, Stilwell Memorial in Stilwell, Oklahoma, and Northern Light Inland in Waterville, Maine. The closures were linked to Trump's policies, such as Medicaid cuts, that impacted rural healthcare providers.

  • In October, the Glenn Medical Center in Willows, California closed after more than seven decades of serving the local community.
  • The Stilwell Memorial hospital in Stilwell, Oklahoma shuttered due to a decision by the Trump administration.

The players

Mike Lee

A U.S. Senator from Utah and a staunch ally of former President Donald Trump.

Jon Ossoff

A Democratic U.S. Senator from Georgia who criticized Trump's impact on rural healthcare.

Maddox

A New York Times bestselling author who provided evidence refuting Lee's claim.

Steve Rhodes

A photojournalist who cited the closure of the Glenn Medical Center in California.

Matt McDermott

A Democratic strategist who linked to articles about Trump's policies harming working-class Americans.

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What they’re saying

“Here you go, clown”

— Maddox, New York Times bestselling author

“Glenn Medical Center 'which for more than seven decades has treated residents of its small farm town about 75 miles north of Sacramento' closed in October because of a decision by the Trump administration.”

— Steve Rhodes, Photojournalist

“Sure. Here are three: • Glenn Medical Center (Willows, CA) • Stilwell Memorial (Stilwell, OK) • Northern Light Inland (Waterville, ME).”

— Maine, Political influencer

“Despite Republican lies, the fact is that Trump cut taxes for the rich while gutting healthcare for working class Americans”

— Matt McDermott, Democratic strategist

What’s next

The closure of rural hospitals remains a contentious political issue, with both parties blaming the other for the negative impacts on healthcare access. Further reporting and analysis will likely continue as the debate over Trump's record on this issue persists.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing partisan divide over Trump's legacy, with Republicans defending his actions and Democrats accusing him of harming working-class Americans. The closure of rural hospitals is a significant issue that impacts vulnerable populations, and the debate over the causes and solutions is likely to continue.