It might come as a surprise, but I recently joined Donald Trump’s Truth Social media platform. I know, right? Being a proud progressive Democrat, it feels a bit out of character. But hear me out. House Republicans are gearing up to pass what they’re calling Trump’s “big beautiful bill” this week. According to a recent Fox News poll, a staggering 6% of Americans support cuts to Medicaid and Medicare.
What’s interesting—or alarming—is that it’s not just Democrats and independents being contacted about this. In fact, only 11% of Republican voters back these cuts, while nearly all House Republicans are backing reductions. This would mark the largest reduction in Medicaid in U.S. history.
Some folks like to quote the chair of the Ways and Means Committee, who claims that “repeatable validation for people using Medicaid will save nearly $200 billion.” But if these cuts are pushed through, Democrats can’t just preach to our own choir. We must connect with working individuals from all walks of life who stand to be affected by these changes. Sure, many True Social users might lean more conservative than I do, and we might not see eye to eye on every topic. Still, I believe there’s common ground, especially regarding the heavy influence billionaires have in our politics.
Reflecting on how to reach out across the aisle, I’m reminded of my roots as a worker organizer. Back then, I worked alongside others at construction sites, navigating plenty of disagreements but uniting as a collective to fight for better wages and conditions.
Speaking of shared concerns, consider Social Security. The same Fox poll shows just 5% of Americans want to see cuts to it. Yet, figures like Donald Trump have voiced criticisms, calling it a “Ponzi Plan.” With many stating it could be on the verge of collapse due to cuts, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Now, just joining a social media platform won’t resolve these issues. It’s crucial that we reach out to conservative voters everywhere. I’ve made it a point to appear on Fox News and travel to Red congressional districts for town halls where Republican lawmakers haven’t even bothered to engage their constituents.
While I often express my views through progressive media and platforms like Bluesky, it’s vital that we communicate our commitment to the working class. Even if we don’t align on every issue, everyone deserves to feel welcome within the Democratic party. My progressive stance is firm, but I’m dedicated to improving the lives of all working-class individuals. It’s critical that Democrats shine a light on issues that profoundly affect the lives of everyday people—like the ongoing cuts to Medicaid and Social Security.
So, if you don’t see eye to eye with me on certain matters, but you stand against cuts to Medicaid and want to reclaim some sense of government accountability for social security and the middle class, let’s talk. I’m open to dialogue—on any platform.
