Since then, Democratic candidates have enjoyed a sustained polling advantage on health care. White House spokesperson Kush Desai argued that Trump has already defied the party’s history on health care, touting the president’s efforts to lower drug prices. But in recent briefings on midterm strategy, Trump’s political advisers offered a blunter motivation for leaning in on health care: They have no other choice. “I don’t think they just want to be attacked for letting health care costs go up,” said Alex Conant, a longtime GOP operative. The new focus has mirrored Trump’s own rising enthusiasm for campaigning on parts of his health care agenda.

Source: CNN February 19, 2026 11:05 UTC