Just hours into the government funding lapse issued on Oct. 1, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), a federal agency that administers Medicare and Medicaid, abandoned its traditional non-partisan tone. CMS took a clear political side with a statement on its website, declaring that “mission-critical activities will continue during the Democrat-led government shutdown.”
This statement placed blame squarely on one party for the impasse. By referring to a “Democrat-led shutdown” and noting that “the Trump administration works to reopen the government,” the agency framed Democrats as the obstacle and Republicans as the solution, revealing a clear political alignment.
Given that CMS has no public record of issuing a political statement, its decision to do so now is unprecedented. What has motivated this shift?
“To ingratiate themselves,” political science and public administration professor John Sutherlin said. “In other words, they are demonstrating favoritism with the current administration, for the sole purpose of hoping to keep their contracts.”
A perception is growing that aligning with President Trump is essential for political survival. Prominent figures, including Sen. Mitch McConnell, have reconciled with him and endorsed his 2024 campaign, a move widely seen as an acknowledgment of his enduring influence over the Republican Party. Media personalities like Sean Hannity and Tucker Carlson have maintained a close relationship with Trump, offering a platform in exchange for access and influence. For many, a positive relationship with Trump is a strategic necessity.
When CMS attempts to earn favor with the current administration, it gambles with its patients’ trust. However, it operates with a unique safety net: a trapped clientele.
“In many ways, they have a captured audience that has no recourse or anything to counter that,” Sutherlin said. “Even if someone loses that trust, there is no way for them to back out of the situation because they need that kind of care. If I’m the sole provider of a service and people are upset with me, what are they going to do?”
Two weeks later, CMS continues to uphold this statement, which remains posted on its website, cms.gov. With no clear repercussions in sight, the statement will likely stay there until the shutdown is over.
