WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — President Donald Trump has enacted an executive order aimed at enhancing accessibility to in vitro fertilization (IVF) and lowering its costs. Additionally, he issued a presidential memorandum that emphasizes the need for “radical transparency requirements” from the government, a move he believes could curtail unnecessary spending.
On the campaign trail, Trump advocated for universal IVF coverage, particularly after his Supreme Court appointees played a role in overturning Roe v. Wade. This decision has triggered a series of restrictions in Republican-led states, often impacting access to IVF by classifying life as beginning at conception. During his visit to his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, Trump signed another executive order that delineates the functions of the Office of Management and Budget. The accompanying memo mandates that the government provide detailed reports on any “waste, fraud, and abuse” identified as the Department of Government Efficiency, led by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, seeks to diminish government expenditures.
Despite commitments to transparency, the Department of Government Efficiency has frequently faced criticism for not meeting expectations. Musk has held only a single press conference since taking on his advising role and has claimed it is unlawful to disclose the identities of his staff members. There have been instances where DOGE employees have requested access to sensitive government databases with minimal justification.
On Tuesday, Trump answered a variety of questions for over half an hour while critiquing the Biden administration’s handling of several issues, including immigration at the U.S.-Mexico border and the situation in Ukraine. He expressed confidence in his ability to resolve the conflict in Ukraine but was annoyed by suggestions that negotiations were occurring without Ukraine’s involvement. His comments implied that Ukraine was at fault for a war that erupted following Russia’s invasion.
Trump also took aim at several global spending programs initiated by the U.S. He cited funding aimed at promoting voter participation in India and social unity projects in Mali, suggesting that these initiatives add up to wasteful expenditures. When pressed about the White House’s assertion that Musk does not lead Trump’s government efficiency initiatives, Trump remarked that Musk could be termed an employee or consultant, but ultimately regarded him as a patriot.
The president stated, “I believe women and families will greatly appreciate” his order regarding IVF, referring to the process designed to assist those facing difficulties with conception. IVF involves the extraction of eggs from a woman which are then fertilized with sperm in a laboratory. The resulting embryo is transferred back to the woman’s uterus in hopes of achieving pregnancy, usually requiring multiple cycles.
Barbara Collura, President and CEO of RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association, commended the administration’s announcement, noting that “high out-of-pocket expenses and inadequate insurance coverage are the biggest hurdles families face.”
Democrat Senator Tammy Duckworth critiqued Trump’s executive order, arguing it fails to genuinely expand IVF access and blamed him for the ongoing challenges regarding fertility treatments. She suggested that a sincere commitment to supporting IVF would include backing her proposed legislation compelling insurance providers to cover the costs associated with IVF.
During a morning visit to his golf club, Trump spoke to journalists just ahead of a joint television interview with Musk on Fox News. In that discussion, he acknowledged the resurgence of inflation but attributed its persistence to his brief time in office, claiming, “I had nothing to do” with the high prices. Moreover, he indicated that Musk is likely discontent with the absence of tax incentives for electric vehicles in current Congressional proposals, asserting that Musk never requested favorable treatment.
Responding to the query about potential conflicts of interest arising from Musk’s government initiatives and business interests, Trump stated that Musk would not be involved in those areas and Musk affirmed his intent to recuse himself when necessary. Musk has faced criticism from Democratic lawmakers regarding his methods for streamlining the government budget, including the reduction of foreign aid and job cuts within the federal workforce.
That evening, an awards ceremony was held at Mar-a-Lago by America’s Future, a conservative organization spearheaded by Mike Flynn, who previously served as Trump’s national security adviser. The initiative focuses on safeguarding individual liberties and endorsing American values. The event featured honored military personnel, with entertainment and a dinner hosted in the Grand Ballroom of Mar-a-Lago. Attendees included personalities like Russell Brand, Ted Nugent, and Mike Tyson.
In video footage shared on social media, Trump was seen addressing the audience at the event alongside Tyson, Flynn, and Nugent, proclaiming, “This is very, very friendly territory.” He extolled the contributions of those recognized, particularly Flynn, who has been a key figure in Trump’s attempts to contest the outcome of the 2020 election. Trump referred to Flynn as “the real deal” and expressed interest in offering him multiple roles within his administration, saying, “Anytime you want to come in, you know that, Mike, OK?”
Flynn parted ways with the Trump administration shortly after its inception, facing charges in 2017 for lying to the FBI about his conversations with Russian officials on behalf of Trump. He twice entered a guilty plea, but was subsequently pardoned by Trump in the closing days of his presidency.
