President Donald Trump gestures to supporters gathered for a Presidents Day rally, Monday, Feb. 17, 2025, in West Palm Beach, Fla. AP Photo.
Former President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at expanding access to in vitro fertilization (IVF) while reducing treatment costs. Alongside this, he issued a memorandum demanding greater transparency in government spending. The move aligns with his campaign pledge to support universal IVF coverage, following backlash over abortion restrictions in Republican-led states.
Trump’s Supreme Court nominees played a key role in overturning Roe v. Wade, triggering new legislation in some states that could impact IVF access. By pushing for broader IVF coverage, Trump aims to address growing concerns from families struggling with infertility.
Crackdown on Government Waste
In addition to the IVF order, Trump signed another executive order outlining oversight responsibilities for the Office of Management and Budget. A separate presidential memorandum directs the government to expose "waste, fraud, and abuse" within federal agencies.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk, overseeing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has been tasked with cutting unnecessary spending. However, concerns have arisen about the department’s transparency. Musk has rarely addressed the media and has faced criticism over his team’s access to sensitive government data without clear justification.
Trump Criticizes Biden, Weighs in on Global Conflicts
Speaking from his Mar-a-Lago residence, Trump answered questions on various topics, frequently attacking the Biden administration. He criticized Biden’s policies on immigration, Venezuela, and Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Trump expressed confidence in his ability to broker peace but appeared to shift some blame onto Ukraine itself. He pointed to the country’s leadership, stating, “You should have never started it.”
Push for IVF Coverage Sparks Debate
Trump defended his IVF executive order, calling it a step toward helping families. IVF, a process that involves fertilizing an egg outside the body and implanting it in the uterus, is often costly and requires multiple attempts.
Barbara Collura, President of RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association, welcomed Trump’s initiative, emphasizing that financial barriers remain a significant challenge for families seeking IVF treatment.
However, Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth, a Democrat, dismissed the order as ineffective. She argued that Trump’s policies have endangered IVF access and challenged him to support legislation requiring insurance providers to cover IVF treatments.
Trump and Musk Address Economy, Potential Conflicts of Interest
Before his first joint TV interview with Musk aired on Fox News, Trump spoke about inflation concerns. He acknowledged rising prices but insisted they were not his responsibility.
During the interview, Musk downplayed any conflicts of interest between his role in government cost-cutting efforts and his business ventures. Trump assured the public that Musk would recuse himself from decisions affecting Tesla, while Musk reaffirmed that he has never sought favors from the administration.
Awards Ceremony at Mar-a-Lago
Later that evening, Trump attended an event hosted by America’s Future, a conservative group led by former National Security Adviser Mike Flynn. The ceremony, honoring military personnel from different branches, featured musical performances and a dinner reception at Mar-a-Lago.
Trump praised Flynn, calling him “the real deal” and hinting at a potential return to his administration. Flynn, who previously pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI before receiving a presidential pardon, remains a key figure in Trump’s political circle.
With Trump’s campaign in full swing, his recent moves highlight a mix of policy promises, government shake-ups, and continued loyalty to his political allies.
