GOP Candidate Backs Trump's Stance on Iran War Spending

Trump claims military costs make Medicare funding 'not possible'

Apr. 3, 2026 at 12:00am by Ben Kaplan

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A vibrant, fragmented painting depicting military hardware in shades of blue, grey, and orange, conveying the conceptual tension between defense spending and social program funding.As the costs of military operations mount, the debate intensifies over balancing national defense and domestic social programs.Portland Today

During a private White House Easter luncheon, former President Donald Trump claimed it was 'not possible' for the federal government to fund Medicare, Medicaid, and child care due to the need for increased military spending, stating 'We're fighting wars. We can't take care of day care.' GOP congressional candidate Monique DeSpain has voiced support for Trump's approach on military spending and the war in Iran.

Why it matters

Trump's comments reflect an ongoing debate over the balance between military spending and domestic social programs. As the 2024 election approaches, DeSpain's backing of Trump's stance could become a key issue for voters concerned about healthcare and social services funding.

The details

At the private White House event, Trump argued that the costs of the ongoing war in Iran have made it financially infeasible for the government to adequately fund programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and child care. GOP congressional candidate Monique DeSpain, who is running in Oregon's 3rd district, has publicly endorsed Trump's position, stating that 'strong national defense must be the top priority.'

  • On April 2, 2026, Trump made the comments during a private Easter luncheon at the White House.

The players

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who made the comments about military spending and Medicare funding.

Monique DeSpain

A GOP congressional candidate running in Oregon's 3rd district who has voiced support for Trump's stance on military spending and the war in Iran.

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What they’re saying

“We're fighting wars. We can't take care of day care.”

— Donald Trump, Former President

“Strong national defense must be the top priority.”

— Monique DeSpain, GOP Congressional Candidate

The takeaway

Trump's comments highlight an ongoing tension between military spending and domestic social programs, which could become a key issue in the 2024 election as voters weigh priorities like healthcare and national security.