Elton John appeals to Trump on HIV programs in Paste BN essay
Elton John, a tireless soldier in the fight against AIDS, is ringing the alarm bell on what he views as a potentially dangerous cut to HIV care in the proposed federal budget.
In a new op-ed for Paste BN published on Tuesday, June 24, John, the founder of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, lauded the Trump administration's support for several HIV care and prevention initiatives, but warned of cuts to state surveillance programs.
"The proposal also ends federal funding to states for HIV surveillance, testing and education; for community-based organizations that reach those most at risk, and for substance abuse treatment and mental health programs that are crucial for driving down HIV infections," the singer wrote of a draft budget currently awaiting approval in the Senate.
The article was written alongside Jeanne White-Ginder, the mother of Ryan White, a young boy whose infection with HIV in the '80s helped to destigmatize the disease and rally mainstream American political support towards a cure.
"Attempts to cut Medicaid are also alarming, as more than 40% of people living with HIV have their care and treatment covered by Medicaid," he continued. "Without this essential insurance, scores of people living with HIV won’t get the care and medicines they need to keep them healthy."
His comments address a rift in the Republican party over cuts to one of the most popular sections of the safety net in the United States. Medicaid, which provides medical care to millions of low-income Americans, is a point of contention in President Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" as GOP lawmakers struggle to find funding to pay for an expensive tax cut without ballooning the deficit.
"The president has said don't mess with Medicaid. We agree," John wrote, referencing previous comments from Trump.
"Programs that provide treatment, fuel prevention and fight stigma should be expanded, not eliminated, as we work toward eradicating the disease that ended Ryan's life," the singer wrote.
"The moment of truth is here. As the administration and Congress consider their investment priorities for next year, we urge them to continue joining forces in the fight against AIDS in the U.S. and worldwide," John concluded.
"Together, their investments over time have created this once-in-a-generation opportunity to end AIDS in the U.S. by 2030, as called for by President Trump. Together they can seize that opportunity by banking on prevention."
John, inspired by the story of Ryan White, launched the Elton John AIDS Foundation in 1992. According to its website, the organization has raised more than $600 million in support of projects to "increase access to health care, tackle LGBTQ+ stigma, and end AIDS."
Contributing: Brendan Morrow