In a political climate rife with contention, one thing remains clear: public scrutiny can make a difference. Last night, Chris Hayes brought to light a startling story about the Trump administration’s decision to cut funding for the Women’s Health Initiative, a vital 30-year study into preventive health care for postmenopausal women. The outcry was swift, and today, the administration reversed course, announcing that funding for the program would continue. This victory underscores the power of accountability and public pressure—but it also shines a light on a broader pattern of unpopular decisions and governance under Donald Trump.
The Women’s Health Initiative: A Lifesaving Program
The Women’s Health Initiative, funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), costs just $10 million a year—a drop in the bucket compared to the federal budget. For three decades, it has conducted groundbreaking research on critical issues like breast cancer, heart disease, and osteoporosis. By the government’s own estimates, this program has saved countless lives and billions of dollars in medical costs.
When the Trump administration proposed cutting this funding, the backlash was immediate. “Who exactly voted for this?” Hayes asked during his broadcast. The answer? No one. The administration’s walk-back today demonstrates how public outcry and media scrutiny can hold leaders accountable. But as Hayes pointed out, this is just one small victory in a sea of destructive cuts that often fly under the radar.
Unpopular Policies, Unpopular President
Why is this happening? According to Hayes, the administration operates under the assumption that its actions go unnoticed. “They’re doing so much in so many different parts of the government that are so destructive, no one can just pay attention to all this stuff,” he explained. But the data tells a clear story: Trump’s presidency is deeply unpopular.
From the start, Trump’s approval ratings have been among the lowest for any modern president, and they continue to decline. Even his traditionally strong area—the economy—shows him underwater in recent polls. For instance:
56% disapprove of Trump’s handling of the economy (Fox News poll).
59% disapprove of his approach to inflation (Fox News poll).
57% disapprove of his handling of the cost of living (Reuters/Ipsos poll).
As Hayes noted, “The fallout from these policies takes time. There’s a delayed reaction before you start seeing shortages and price hikes.” With numbers like these, Trump’s claim to popularity appears increasingly tenuous.
Immigration and Civil Rights: Further Drops in Approval
The administration’s policies on immigration and civil rights have also faced growing disapproval. While Trump often touts support for his stance on border security, broader immigration policies leave him underwater. Recent polls reveal disapproval rates as high as five points on immigration-related issues. Stories of deportations and neglect of due process—like the case of graduate student Hilmar Abrego Garcia—have struck a chord with the public.
And then there’s Trump’s latest executive order, which seeks to eliminate the principle of “disparate impact” under the Civil Rights Act. This bedrock principle aims to ensure fairness in policies and practices that disproportionately affect marginalized groups. Hayes didn’t mince words: “This is something Martin Luther King Jr. and others fought and died for. And Trump signs an order wanting to undo it.”
The Reality of an Unpopular Agenda
Despite these glaring issues, Trump continues to act as though he has a sweeping mandate from the public. Hayes summed it up succinctly: “He keeps acting like he has a huge mandate. In reality, he is unpopular at basically every turn.” Even Trump’s so-called “war on woke,” a cornerstone of his campaign, has failed to resonate. A recent poll shows him down nine points on this issue—a clear indication that these culture wars aren’t winning over voters.
So, why does Trump persist? Hayes suggests it’s a combination of intimidation and fear within the Republican Party. “The only thing keeping him afloat is an agenda of intimidation and fear that enforces a politically toxic kind of discipline among Republicans in Washington,” Hayes explained. But as approval ratings continue to plummet, this strategy may not hold up forever.
Conclusion: The Power of Public Accountability
The reversal of the Women’s Health Initiative funding cut serves as a reminder of what can happen when people pay attention and demand accountability. Yet, it’s also a stark illustration of a broader issue: a presidency defined by unpopular policies and declining public support. As we look ahead, the question remains—will this pattern catch up with Trump and his administration?