In The Politics of Autism, I discuss the issue's role in campaign politics. In the 2016 campaign, a number of posts discussed Trump's bad record on disability issues more generally. As his words and actions have shown, he despises Americans with disabilities.
RFK Jr. supports Trump and would have power in a Trump administration. The rest of the family opposes Trump.
President Trump has repeatedly ridiculed and demeaned people with disabilities and consistently shown a lack of respect and understanding of our community. He has publicly mocked a reporter with limb differences, called Sen. John McCain and other decorated disabled veterans “losers,” and made fun of President Biden’s stutter. His former Chief of Staff, John Kelly, reported his reluctance to be photographed with disabled American veterans “because it doesn’t look good for me.” Trump even suggested to his own nephew, Fred, who has a child with severe disabilities, that people like Fred’s son “should just die.” Court records show that Trump, as a landlord, has been sued at least eight times for violating the Americans with Disabilities Act, dragging out cases for years, trying to avoid responsibility, and shifting blame to others. Trump has no understanding of what life is truly like for disabled people, and his hurtful rhetoric and appalling behavior reveal a deeply troubling disregard for the dignity and worth of disabled Americans.
...
Until Trump took office in 2017, the expansion of civil rights of people with disabilities benefited from strong bipartisan congressional support. In fact, the ADA was championed by prominent Republicans, including then-Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole, U.S. Attorney General Richard Thornburg, and President George H.W. Bush. This spirit of bipartisan cooperation allowed disability rights to continue to expand.
Kennedy lists ways in which Trump turned back the clock.
Medicaid Financing and Home-Based Care: The administration proposed shifting more Medicaid costs to the states, which would have reduced funding for home and community-based services. Nearly 15 million people with disabilities, who rely on Medicaid for personal caregivers, would have faced a financially forced transfer to institutional care.
Weakening the Department of Justice’s Disability Rights Section: Attorney General Jeff Sessions rescinded 27 critical ADA guidance documents, relied upon for years by both parties, to interpret and enforce the ADA. Under Trump, civil rights enforcement for people with disabilities ground to a halt, leaving countless cases of discrimination unaddressed.
...Cuts to Special Education and Independent Living Services: Trump’s administration slashed Medicaid funding to schools, depriving children with disabilities of essential medical care and equipment enabling them to pursue their education. Trump also cut funding to Independent Living Centers, vocational rehabilitation programs, assistive technology and even to Special Olympics, only avoided due to public outrage.
