Trump's week in review: Venezuela oil deal, Hyde Amendment backlash

2. Trump draws ire for saying pro-life Republicans need to be ‘flexible’ on Hyde

While speaking at a retreat for Republicans serving in the U.S. House of Representatives Tuesday, Trump outlined his vision for healthcare reform in the U.S. He urged lawmakers to enact a policy that will “let the money go in the healthcare account or however you do it” and “let the money go directly to the people.” 

“You have to be a little flexible on Hyde,” he said, when referring to the Hyde Amendment. The Hyde Amendment is a legislative provision attached to spending bills since the 1970s, clarifying that taxpayer dollars cannot be used to pay for abortions. Trump’s remarks about Hyde come as Congress is considering whether to extend subsidies under the Affordable Care Act that don't explicitly contain Hyde protections. 

Trump’s comments didn't sit well with pro-life advocacy groups, with Marjorie Dannenfelser of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America noting that “For decades, opposition to taxpayer funding of abortion and support for the Hyde Amendment has been an unshakeable bedrock principle and a minimum standard in the Republican Party.” She warned that Republicans giving in to Trump’s request to be “flexible” on the Hyde Amendment would amount to “an abandonment of [the party’s] decades-long commitment.” 

“The voters sent a GOP trifecta to Washington and they expect it to govern like one,” she added. “Giving in to Democrat demands that our tax dollars are used to fund plans that cover abortion on demand until birth would be a massive betrayal.”