White House Report Card: In the 2020 presidential campaign, President made clear promises regarding some of America’s most important public programs: Social Security, Medicare, and funding for public broadcasting including NPR. These promises resonated deeply with voters—especially seniors, working families, and younger generations concerned about their future safety net. As we move through 2025, it’s time to evaluate whether those commitments were kept, delayed, or broken. In this article, we will break down the status of each major promise, provide accessible explanations, and share expert-backed context to help you understand what it means for individuals and the broader U.S. economy.
White House Report Card
President’s promises on Social Security, Medicare, and public broadcasting were mostly upheld, especially in areas like benefit protection and lowering prescription drug costs. However, some ambitious goals—like expanding Medicare eligibility—faced resistance and were not realized. Public broadcasting, while supported during President’s term, now faces an uncertain future under new leadership. The story of these policies is still unfolding, but one thing is clear: they matter deeply to millions of Americans, and their future will continue to shape debates in Washington.
| Promise | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Protect Social Security benefits | Kept | No cuts to benefits; cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) were implemented to match inflation. |
| Expand Social Security benefits | Partially Kept | Some benefits increased via the Social Security Fairness Act, but solvency challenges remain. |
| Lower Medicare drug prices | Kept | Medicare gained power to negotiate prescription drug prices; first price changes coming in 2027. |
| Lower Medicare eligibility age to 60 | Not Kept | The proposal was not enacted due to opposition from hospitals and political resistance in Congress. |
| Support for NPR and public broadcasting | Partially Kept | Funding remained stable under Biden, but future cuts have been proposed by the next administration. |
Social Security: Promises Made, Challenges Remain
Protection of Benefits
One of the clearest commitments from President was to protect Social Security from benefit cuts. This promise has been upheld throughout his administration. Notably, Social Security recipients saw a 3.2% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in 2025, ensuring benefits kept up with inflation. COLA is a critical feature of Social Security that helps maintain purchasing power for retirees and disabled beneficiaries.
According to the Social Security Administration, nearly 71 million Americans receive Social Security benefits each month. For many, especially retirees without pensions, this income is their primary financial support.
Expansion of Benefits
While President didn’t promise sweeping expansions of Social Security, he did support efforts to improve fairness in the system. In 2025, he signed the Social Security Fairness Act, which repealed the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO). These two rules previously reduced Social Security benefits for public sector employees who also had government pensions.
This change has been welcomed by many—especially teachers, police officers, and other public servants. However, some economists warn that these improvements may hasten the trust fund’s projected insolvency, now expected as early as 2033 unless further legislative action is taken.
Medicare: Lower Drug Prices, But Not a Lower Eligibility Age
Drug Price Negotiations
One of President’s signature achievements on health care was part of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which gave Medicare the ability to negotiate prescription drug prices—a major policy shift.
By 2025, the administration had selected 15 high-cost drugs for negotiation, including treatments for cancer, diabetes, and autoimmune conditions. These negotiated prices are scheduled to take effect in 2027. According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), this policy could save taxpayers billions and lower out-of-pocket costs for seniors.
More drugs will be added to the list each year, potentially transforming how Americans pay for vital prescriptions. This change is one of the most tangible health care reforms in decades.
Lowering the Medicare Eligibility Age
Despite proposing to reduce the Medicare eligibility age from 65 to 60, this policy has not been enacted. Hospitals pushed back strongly, arguing it would hurt their finances by increasing the number of patients reimbursed at Medicare’s lower rates. Politically, the measure lacked support in Congress—even among some moderate Democrats—and was ultimately shelved.
While many Americans nearing retirement supported the proposal, it remains a “what could have been” in President’s health care legacy.
NPR and Public Broadcasting: Political Football
President has consistently supported public broadcasting. Funding for NPR (National Public Radio) and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) was preserved during his administration, reflecting a continued belief in publicly accessible, non-commercial journalism and educational programming.
However, the conversation has shifted under the new administration. Early in 2025, President Trump proposed cutting federal funding to NPR and PBS, arguing these organizations exhibit political bias. Although the proposal hasn’t yet passed Congress, it marks a significant departure support and puts future funding in jeopardy.
For now, public broadcasting is funded—but its future may hinge on upcoming budget negotiations.
Practical Advice for Americans Considering White House Report Card
Here’s how the state of these promises affects your day-to-day life:
If You’re Retired or Near Retirement:
- Expect your Social Security checks to remain stable and adjust with inflation, at least in the short term.
- You may benefit from the repeal of WEP and GPO if you worked in public service and receive a pension.
If You Rely on Prescription Drugs:
- Starting in 2027, you may pay less out-of-pocket for essential medications if they are included in Medicare’s negotiated drug list.
- Ask your pharmacist or Medicare plan provider about how these changes could affect your coverage.
If You Support Public Broadcasting:
- Stay informed about federal funding debates. You can support NPR and PBS directly, or contact your representatives to express your views on funding public media.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Social Security Fairness Act?
The Social Security Fairness Act repealed two long-standing provisions (WEP and GPO) that reduced benefits for public sector workers with government pensions. This law increases benefits for many retired teachers, police, and civil servants.
When will the lower drug prices under Medicare take effect?
Negotiated drug prices are scheduled to take effect in 2027, starting with 15 high-cost drugs. Each year, more drugs will be added to the program.
Did White House lower the Medicare eligibility age?
No, the proposal to reduce the eligibility age from 65 to 60 was not enacted due to financial and political opposition.
Will NPR lose its funding?
As of 2025, NPR is still federally funded. However, proposals by the current administration could eliminate that funding in future budgets.
