Cancer and Charity Fraud
The Trump administration has taken several actions that directly and indirectly harm cancer survivors, reflecting a troubling disregard for public health and medical integrity. Notably, the Trump Foundation was found guilty of fraud in New York for misusing charity funds, including diverting donations meant for veterans and health causes to support Trump’s 2016 campaign. Meanwhile, the Department of Health and Human Services under Trump proposed significant cuts to cancer research funding, limiting future breakthroughs in treatment. In a telling cultural moment, right-wing media falsely accused California Governor Gavin Newsom of elitism for allegedly sipping wine while Los Angeles burned—when in fact, he was attending a cancer fundraiser named in honor of his late mother. Compounding the problem, Trump’s so-called “Big Beautiful” tax plan removed the tax on indoor tanning services, despite their known link to skin cancer. Even more alarming, the administration floated plans to reintroduce the use of asbestos—an industrial carcinogen—with ties to Russian exports, raising concerns about prioritizing foreign business ties over American lives. Collectively, these actions paint a grim picture of political choices that put cancer survivors and public health at risk.
Trump was ordered to pay $2 million to eight charities for misusing funds for political interests during his 2016 campaign.
A New York judge ordered Donald Trump to pay $2 million to eight charities as a penalty for misusing his Trump Foundation to advance his political and business interests. The ruling followed Trump’s admission to several violations, including using foundation funds for campaign events, settling personal legal disputes, and purchasing items like a portrait of himself and sports memorabilia. The Trump Foundation will be dissolved, and its remaining $1.7 million will also be distributed to charities. While Trump did not express remorse, Attorney General Letitia James hailed the outcome as a major victory for holding powerful individuals accountable under charity laws. Trump and his children, who sat on the foundation’s board, also agreed to restrictions and training on managing charitable organizations.
The Charities the Trump Foundation Defrauded are:
Provides financial assistance and scholarships to active-duty and retired soldiers and their families in times of need.
Strengthens Washington, D.C. communities through healthy food access, quality education, and family support programs.
Supports underserved children and families through education, health care, and social services in New York City.
Provides scholarships and financial support to historically Black colleges and universities and their students.
Delivers nutritious meals to homebound elderly New Yorkers to combat hunger and isolation.
Mobilizes resources to improve health, education, and economic opportunity for individuals in the D.C. region.
Offers free mental health services to U.S. military personnel, veterans, and their families.
Preserves the memory of the Holocaust and educates the public to confront hatred and promote human dignity.
New NIH Policy Endangers Childhood Cancer Research
The policy's fate remains uncertain
A new proposed policy by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is raising alarm among pediatric cancer researchers, compounding concerns already heightened by major congressional cuts to funding in this field. Pediatric cancer research has historically received less than 4% of federal cancer research funding, and now faces further setbacks under the NIH’s plan to cap universities’ reimbursements for “indirect costs”—expenses related to infrastructure and staffing—at 15%. This would replace the current system of negotiated rates, which typically range from 27% to 70%. While NIH argues the policy could save up to $4 billion annually, critics say it would severely harm medical research, particularly in pediatric oncology, where complex and rare conditions require costly, specialized facilities and staff. The proposed cap’s immediate and retroactive application has sparked backlash, prompting lawsuits from 22 states, major hospitals, medical schools, and the state of Massachusetts; a federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order, but the policy’s fate remains uncertain.
Critical advancements in childhood cancer treatment could slow or stop.
Leaders in the field, like Danielle Fragalla of the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation (PCRF), warn that without full funding support, critical advancements in childhood cancer treatment could slow or stop altogether. In response, PCRF and other organizations are ramping up private fundraising efforts to compensate for lost federal support, highlighting the growing reliance on philanthropy to sustain research. The article ends with a call to action, urging the public to support pediatric cancer research by donating and contacting elected officials to advocate for continued government investment in this life-saving work.
DOGE restructuring could affect Meals on Wheels, which delivers hot meals to seniors.
Federal budget cuts threaten seniors' independence
Meals on Wheels is a vital program that delivers hot, nutritious meals to seniors and homebound individuals, while also providing daily wellness checks and social interaction that help recipients maintain independence and avoid institutional care. The program is supported in part by federal funding through the Older Americans Act and other grants, and is now facing uncertainty due to major federal budget cuts and agency restructuring under the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). These cuts have led to layoffs at the Administration for Community Living, the termination of the entire staff overseeing key social services block grants, and growing fears among providers and recipients alike.
Many seniors could lose access to support
Local programs like Meals on Wheels of Ocean County, New Jersey—where federal dollars make up 20% of funding—say that if cuts continue, hundreds of seniors could lose access to meals and support. One-third of Meals on Wheels providers already have waitlists, and the looming financial instability could make matters worse. Seniors like 89-year-old Rose Marie Delagram rely on the service not just for food but also for daily human connection. Advocates stress that while the program is incredibly efficient and cost-saving in the long run, current funding uncertainty makes future planning difficult, especially amid rising food costs. Without federal support, many vulnerable people could be left without the essential services they depend on every day.
The Trump Administration wants to roll back the asbestos ban.
The EPA banned chrysotile asbestos under Biden
The Trump administration is reconsidering a 2024 EPA ban on chrysotile asbestos, a known carcinogen responsible for 40,000 deaths annually in the U.S. and over 250,000 globally. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral once widely used in construction for insulation, fireproofing, and strengthening materials, but was later linked to deadly diseases like mesothelioma and lung cancer. Health experts warn that even minimal exposure can be lethal. The EPA under President Biden had moved to ban the last type of asbestos still used in the U.S., but Trump’s team is reviewing whether alternative safety measures could replace a full ban.
Russia is the largest exporter of asbestos
Critics say this review endangers public health and is influenced by political and industry pressure. Trump has long dismissed asbestos risks, calling it “100 percent safe once applied,” and even claimed the anti-asbestos movement was mob-driven. In 2018, Russian asbestos producer Uralasbest, Russia being the largest exporter of asbestos, featured Trump’s face on its packaging, praising his stance. Health advocates argue that reversing the ban undermines progress and could delay crucial protections. Supporters of the ban are pushing legislation like the bipartisan 2025 Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now (ARBAN) Act to permanently outlaw all forms of asbestos.
The murder of the United Healthcare CEO made the health insurance company cover more care, then they were sued by their shareholders.
Investors Sued over Impact of Public Backlash
UnitedHealth Group is facing a class action lawsuit from investors who allege the company misled them about its financial health and failed to disclose the impact of public backlash following the December 2024 killing of CEO Brian Thompson. The suit, filed by investor Roberto Faller, claims UnitedHealth artificially inflated stock prices by maintaining optimistic profit forecasts despite internal turmoil and criticism over high claim denial rates and controversial business tactics.
Too many people were getting help
After UnitedHealth cut its 2025 profit forecast, its stock dropped by about $130 in one day, the worst performance in over 25 years, causing a 1.3% drop in the Dow Jones Industrial Average. The lawsuit alleges the company’s leadership, including current CEO Andrew Witty and CFO John Rex, made false and misleading statements and seeks unspecified damages for investors who bought shares between December 3, 2024, and April 16, 2025.
Trump attempted to close over 30 Mine Safety and Health Administration field offices, which help protect coal miners from black lung.
Trump's policies put miners in danger
The Trump administration has reversed its plan to close over 30 Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) field offices after significant backlash from unions, safety advocates, and lawmakers. These offices are vital for conducting inspections and protecting coal miners' safety, especially in remote areas. Despite the reversal, four offices — including two in Kentucky, one in West Virginia, and one in Pennsylvania — remain scheduled for closure.
The decision comes amid wider concerns about mine safety, including delays to a new silica dust rule meant to protect miners from black lung disease (now set to take effect in August). Critics, including the United Mine Workers of America and the National Black Lung Association, warned that the original closure plan reflected a deep misunderstanding of miners’ safety needs and would slow emergency responses and inspections. A federal judge also recently reversed layoffs at a key respiratory health agency, restoring services for miners. Lawmakers, including Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, applauded the MSHA office reversals but urged full transparency and continued support for miner safety.
What is Black Lung?
Black lung disease, or coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (CWP), is a serious and often debilitating lung condition caused by long-term inhalation of coal dust, primarily affecting coal miners. Over time, the dust builds up in the lungs, causing inflammation, scarring, and, in severe cases, progressive massive fibrosis, which significantly impairs breathing. Symptoms include chronic cough, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and fatigue, with no known cure—though prevention through dust control is possible. Despite being preventable, black lung cases have risen in recent years, especially in Appalachian regions. Miners diagnosed with the disease may qualify for federal benefits and workplace protections.
Ten million dollars from a lawsuit settlement was paid directly to Hope Florida, a non-profit organization founded by Ron DeSantis’ wife, Casey, which aims to help people transition from government assistance to community-based programs.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is facing growing scrutiny over the alleged misuse of $10 million in state settlement funds that were funneled through his wife’s nonprofit, Hope Florida, and ultimately used to support a political campaign opposing marijuana legalization. The money originated from a $67 million Medicaid fraud settlement with the health care company Centene. Instead of informing the legislature, the DeSantis administration directed $10 million to Hope Florida, which then passed the funds to two anonymous "dark money" groups, and eventually to a political committee tied to DeSantis’ then-chief of staff, now Attorney General James Uthmeier. Republican lawmakers, including Rep. Alex Andrade, say the funds were misappropriated and potentially criminally mishandled, prompting calls for a federal investigation. DeSantis has denied wrongdoing, accusing critics of manufacturing a smear campaign, while tensions grow between him and GOP leaders in the state House. The controversy has also cast a shadow over Casey DeSantis, who is reportedly eyeing a gubernatorial run.
Former Florida Governor Rick Scott oversaw the largest case of Medicaid Fraud in U.S. History.
The Florida Democratic Party accused former Governor Rick Scott of overseeing “the largest Medicare fraud in the nation’s history” during his time as CEO of Columbia/HCA, a hospital company that paid a record $1.7 billion in fines for defrauding Medicare, Medicaid, and other federal programs. The fraud included billing for unnecessary or unapproved tests, using false diagnosis codes, and claiming marketing costs as medical expenses. Although larger settlements have since occurred in the pharmaceutical industry, Columbia/HCA’s case remains the largest health care fraud settlement involving a hospital chain. While Scott did not face personal charges and resigned shortly after the investigation became public, he bore ultimate responsibility as CEO.
Trump’s administration deregulated PFAS, cancer causing chemicals in drinking water
A big switch from first-term policies
During Donald Trump’s first term, the EPA launched a strong initiative to combat PFAS or “forever chemicals”, which are toxic, long-lasting substances found in water, soil, and consumer products. The agency released a 2019 action plan that proposed regulating certain PFAS compounds in drinking water and designating them as hazardous substances under the Superfund program. However, under Trump’s second term and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, the agency is reversing course. It has delayed enforcement of PFAS drinking water standards until 2031, is reconsidering limits on newer PFAS compounds like GenX, and has cut over $15 million in PFAS research funding. The agency has also slowed down rules requiring industries to report PFAS use and requested delays in court cases about holding polluters accountable.
"Following the Science" = making money for the wealthy at the expense of the public
Zeldin claims the agency is “following the science,” but scientists and environmental advocates are concerned. They say there is already strong evidence of PFAS's harm, including links to cancer and organ damage, and argue the EPA’s actions undermine public health and research. In North Carolina, where Chemours polluted the Cape Fear River with GenX, residents continue to suffer the consequences. Many feel betrayed by the federal government's pullback from previously promised protections, viewing it as a step backward in the fight for clean water and accountability.
Fox News mocked Gavin Newsom for drinking a glass of wine while “LA burned down” when he was at a charity fundraiser named after his mother.
Fox News host Jesse Watters is facing backlash for falsely criticizing California Governor Gavin Newsom over his attendance at what he described as a “swanky wine tasting party” during anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles. In reality, the event was an annual cancer research fundraiser held in honor of Newsom’s late mother. Critics accused Watters of deliberately omitting key context, noting that wine and cheeseburgers were served at the charity event. The attack comes amid escalating tensions between Newsom and the Trump administration, particularly over immigration enforcement and the deployment of the National Guard in L.A. without Newsom’s consent. Vice President JD Vance also visited the city, mocked local officials, and blamed Newsom for unrest. In response, Newsom challenged Vance to a public debate, posting on social media: “Time and place?”
DOGE cut cancer research funding.
DOGE cuts created widespread disruption across research institutions
The National Institutes of Health (NIH), a cornerstone of biomedical research responsible for major scientific breakthroughs such as decoding the human genome and developing COVID-19 vaccines, is facing a significant 35% funding cut imposed by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). According to former NIH director Monica Bertagnolli, who is also a cancer surgeon and survivor, these cuts have led to severe challenges, including difficulties reimbursing routine research expenses and even the abrupt cancellation of ongoing grants. The NIH primarily funds researchers outside its own institution, distributing about 83% of its $47 billion budget to universities, companies, and other organizations, while also covering essential indirect costs like lab facilities and administrative support. DOGE’s cuts have targeted both these overhead expenses and direct grants, creating widespread disruption across research institutions large and small.
Financial uncertainties are discouraging
Bertagnolli explained that NIH funding operates on a yearly basis, meaning that even multi-year grants depend on annual budget approval from Congress and must be spent within the fiscal year. The recent budget shortfalls and cuts, including a $250 million reduction under a continuing resolution for fiscal year 2025, have already caused a significant decline in research productivity. She expressed concern that these financial uncertainties are especially discouraging for young scientists who face an already competitive job market. Bertagnolli urged the next generation of researchers to persist despite these setbacks, emphasizing the critical value and excitement of biomedical research.
Big Beautiful Bill repealed the tax on tanning beds.
The House’s recent “big, beautiful bill” initially included a proposal to repeal the 10% excise tax on indoor tanning services, a tax that was introduced under Obamacare in 2010. This tax was designed not only to help fund healthcare but also to discourage the use of tanning beds, which emit ultraviolet (UV) radiation—a known carcinogen linked to skin cancer. Health organizations like the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Medical Association have opposed repealing the tax because indoor tanning is estimated to cause over 400,000 skin cancer cases annually in the U.S. Although tanning salons claimed the tax hurt their business, the number of salons dramatically declined, partly due to the tax’s success in reducing indoor tanning. Spray-on and sunless tanning products remain exempt and have grown in popularity due to increased awareness of skin health risks. Ultimately, the repeal of the tanning tax did not survive in the final bill, reflecting ongoing public health concerns about tanning beds and their link to skin cancer.
Trump Foundation Charity Fraud
NIH Policy Defunds Cancer Research
Meals on Wheels
Legalizing Asbestos
United Healthcare Sued by Shareholders
Coal Miners and Black Lung
Ron DeSantis and Hope Florida
Rick Scott Medicaid Fraud
Deregulate PFAS
Gavin Newsom Charity Fundraiser
DOGE Cut Cancer Research Funding
Big Beautiful Bill Tanning Beds