As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, some of his loyal supporters are sending a message: “Don’t cut our benefits.” These are the people who helped him win, yet many are now worried about the promises he’s made to shrink government spending.
Lori Mosura, a Pennsylvania voter who lives below the poverty line, depends on $1,200 a month in food stamps and Social Security benefits. She’s grateful for these programs, but she’s not sure what to expect now that Trump’s Cabinet is full of billionaires, and some of his allies are pushing for cuts.
“We helped get you into office,” Lori says, “Please don’t take away the things that help the most vulnerable.”
While some Trump voters, like Steve Tillia, are hopeful that cuts won’t impact their benefits, others are concerned. Steve, who gets $1,900 in benefits, believes cutting staff rather than programs could actually help boost the money they receive. Still, he’s not convinced it will be that simple.
Local officials, like Chris Frye from New Castle, are also urging the president-elect to think carefully. Frye worries that drastic cuts could lead to chaos, saying, “Taking away benefits would create mass homelessness.”
As Trump moves forward with his plans, many of his supporters are asking for one thing: Don’t forget us. After all, these benefits are lifelines for millions of Americans who need them the most.
