Trump signs order to study how to expand IVF and calls for ‘radical transparency’ from government

Trump signs order to study how to expand IVF and calls for ‘radical transparency’ from government

Trump signs order to study how to expand IVF and calls for ‘radical transparency’ from government

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday aimed at expanding access to in vitro fertilization (IVF) and reducing its costs, along with a presidential memorandum calling for "radical transparency requirements" to address government waste.

Trump, who signed the measures at his Mar-a-Lago residence, has previously pledged universal IVF coverage on the campaign trail, particularly after the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, which led to increasing restrictions on reproductive rights, including IVF access in some states.

The first executive order, related to IVF, aims to make the procedure more affordable for families facing fertility challenges. The second order outlines the role of the Office of Management and Budget in overseeing federal spending, while a memorandum directs the government to expose “waste, fraud, and abuse,” as part of efforts to reduce federal expenditure. The Department of Government Efficiency, led by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, is tasked with these reforms.

Despite promises of transparency, Musk’s leadership has been criticized for limited public engagement, with Musk only answering questions once since taking on the advisory role. Additionally, DOGE staff members have faced scrutiny for demanding access to sensitive government databases.

Trump took questions for more than 30 minutes during his appearance and critiqued the Biden administration's handling of various issues, including the U.S.-Mexico border, Venezuela, and Russia's war in Ukraine. On the Ukraine conflict, Trump remarked that he had a “good chance” of ending the war but seemed to shift some blame to Ukraine, saying, "You should have never started it."

Trump also commented on government spending, listing programs globally that he claimed were wasteful, including initiatives to promote voter turnout in India and social cohesion efforts in Mali. When asked about Musk’s involvement in the administration’s cost-cutting efforts, Trump called Musk a “patriot” but downplayed any potential conflicts of interest, saying Musk would recuse himself from any issues involving his businesses.

On the topic of IVF, Trump said his executive order would help families struggling with fertility issues, which involves a multi-step procedure to fertilize eggs outside the body. Barbara Collura, president of RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association, praised the order but noted the high cost and lack of insurance coverage for IVF as significant barriers.

Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth criticized Trump’s executive order, saying it failed to expand access to IVF and accusing Trump of being part of the problem, given his role in restricting reproductive rights. Duckworth has introduced legislation aimed at requiring insurance coverage for IVF.

Later, Trump participated in a prime-time Fox News interview with Musk, where both discussed inflation and tax legislation, particularly concerning tax breaks for electric vehicles. Musk denied seeking special treatment for Tesla, despite concerns about conflicts of interest.

That evening, Trump attended a ceremony at Mar-a-Lago hosted by America’s Future, a conservative group led by former National Security Adviser Mike Flynn. The event honored members of the military and included a reception with performances, dinner, and speeches. Trump praised Flynn, a key figure in his efforts to challenge the 2020 election results, offering him numerous positions in his administration.