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Donald Trump signs his first executive order to 'ease the burden of Obamacare' Donald Trump signs his first executive order targeting Obamacare
(about 5 hours later)
Donald Trump split away from his inauguration festivities to sign an executive order to swear in retired General James Mattis as Secretary of Defense and General John Kelly as Secretary of Homeland Security. The order also “eased the burden of Obamacare,” according to White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer. Donald Trump split away from his inauguration festivities Friday to sign the first executive order of his presidency, which directed the federal government to begin dismantling Obamacare.
No further details were provided to reporters when the press secretary was pressed for more information regarding the order. The wide-ranging, single-page order instructs government agencies to "waive, defer, grant exemptions from or delay implementation of any provision or requirement" of the healthcare law that could pose a “fiscal burden” on state, drug companies, individuals and insurers.
“I am pleased by the confirmation votes of Generals Mattis and Kelly," the president said in a statement to Fox News. "These uniquely qualified leaders will immediately begin the important work of rebuilding our military, defending our nation and securing our borders. I am proud to have these two American heroes join my administration. Since the Affordable Healthcare Act has been set in regulation, Mr Trump cannot fully repeal the 2010 law with executive action. Today's symbolic order fulfilled his campaign promise to immediately begin repealing his President Barack Obama's signature healthcare law.
"I call on members of the Senate to fulfill their constitutional obligation and swiftly confirm the remainder of my highly qualified cabinet nominees, so that we can get to work on behalf of the American people without further delay.” The memo also states that it's the administration's priority to "repeal and replace" the healthcare law. However, the president and Republicans have yet to propose a replacement for the law that currently insures more than 30 million Americans.
The Independent reached out to the Trump administration and transition team to no avail. “This order doesn't in and of itself do anything tangible,” Larry Levitt, vice president at the Kaiser Family Foundation, told Vox. “But, it directs federal agencies to start taking steps to use their administrative authority to unwind the ACA in all sorts of ways. This is a signal that the Trump administration is not waiting for Congress to start making big changes.”
This story is developing. Check back for updates.