Democrats pitch Medicare for All with Trump's name on the card

About 6 in 10 voters nationally said the federal government should play a bigger role in helping Americans get healthcare than it does now, according to The AP Voter Poll. The survey covered more than 100,000 midterm voters. This data point sits at the center of a new strategy adopted by incoming Democratic leaders who plan to work with President Donald Trump despite recent partisan clashes.

The strategy relies on appealing to the president’s desire for historical recognition. Rep. Abdul El-Sayed of Michigan proposed a plan called “TrumpCare.” The proposal includes a universal healthcare system that provides coverage from cradle to grave. El-Sayed shared mock-ups of a gold-colored insurance card on social media. The card features Trump’s name and signature in large print. The text “Medicare for All” appears in smaller letters below the signature.

El-Sayed won the U.S. Senate race in Michigan after Trump called him a terrorist sympathizer. He wrote on social media that the plan is on the table to guarantee healthcare for every American. The Democratic pitch suggests that a signature from Trump would secure his legacy. Sen. James Talarico of Texas made a similar argument at the What’s Next conference in Denver. He compared Trump to Lyndon B. Johnson. Johnson is remembered for shaping civil rights and social services.

Talarico said that if Trump wants the same plaques, portraits, and busts as Johnson, Democrats can help make that a reality. He noted that many Americans want bold changes before the next president takes office. He said some reforms may not pass until 2029, but the American people cannot wait two years for change. He concluded that the new Congress must work with the current president to deliver those changes.

House Majority Leader-elect Hakeem Jeffries also left the door open to collaboration. He said Democrats will work with the other side of the aisle wherever and whenever possible to deliver for the American people. Trump said he does not want to spend the final two years of his presidency simply vetoing bills. He told commentator Stephen A. Smith that he expects Democrats to call for deals on healthcare and drug prices.

The Congressional Budget Office estimated in 2022 that single-payer options could increase federal subsidies for health care from $1.5 trillion to $3 trillion by 2030. Total out-of-pocket costs for patients would decline under those models. The cost depends on the scope of the expansion. Democrats have considered plans that lower the eligibility age below 65 or include children and young people.

Trump’s willingness to negotiate remains an open question. He appointed Stephen Miller as his new White House chief of staff. Jeffries described Miller as a stone-cold racist and said he has zero interest in working with him. Trump had previously struck deals with Democratic leaders Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi during his first term. The new Democratic leadership aims to replicate that dealmaking style to push their agenda through Congress.