D.C. Memo: Trump suggests states should cover Medicare, other programs to free up funds for military

In a series of remarks delivered on Wednesday, President Donald Trump touched on several contentious topics, from the ongoing tensions with Iran to his continued criticisms of Minnesota's Somali community. The day began with an Easter Lunch and prayer service for faith leaders, where Trump spoke candidly about a range of issues, including his vision for shifting the burden of certain federal programs to the states.

During the private event, Trump revisited his long-standing criticisms of the Somali community in Minnesota, referring to them as "low IQ people" and "bad people." He also repeated unfounded allegations against Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-5th District, labeling her a "stone cold crook." This was not the first time Trump has targeted the Somali population in Minnesota, as he previously did so at the Davos forum.

However, Trump also introduced new ideas during the speech. He suggested that states should take full responsibility for subsidized daycare for low-income families, stating, "We can't take care of daycare. That has to be up to the states." Trump further expanded on this idea, proposing that other federal programs, such as Medicaid and Medicare, should also be handled by the states. He argued that states could raise taxes to cover these expenses, while the federal government should focus solely on military protection.

Trump's remarks on shifting the responsibility of these programs to the states were largely driven by the costs associated with the ongoing tensions with Iran. The White House is expected to soon request additional war funds from Congress, and Trump's comments on federal-state responsibilities may be an early indication of his administration's priorities.

Additionally, Trump praised Education Secretary Linda McMahon for her role in dismantling the U.S. Department of Education, calling her "great job" and commending her for leaving education "all to the states." This further underscores the administration's preference for devolving federal responsibilities to state and local governments.

In his later speech, Trump claimed that the Iran war was "nearing completion," though he did not provide a specific timeline. He also warned that U.S. forces would "hit Iran extremely hard over the next two to three weeks." These comments sent oil prices soaring and caused the stock market to tumble.

As the administration continues to push for changes in federal-state relations and faces mounting pressure over the Iran situation, Trump's remarks serve as a glimpse into the administration's evolving priorities. The proposed shifts in funding for programs like daycare, Medicaid, and Medicare could have significant implications for both state and federal budgets, as well as for the individuals and families who rely on these services.

Furthermore, Trump's continued targeting of Minnesota's Somali community highlights the ongoing tensions between the administration and certain minority groups. As the president's comments on these topics gain attention, it remains to be seen how they will impact both domestic and international perceptions of the Trump administration's policies and priorities.