WASHINGTON, D.C. — Friday, President Donald Trump accepted the resignation of Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price following numerous reports of Price using close to $1 million dollars of taxpayer money to pay for the more than two dozen private and chartered jet trips across the world.
LGBT and civil rights organizations welcomed the departure of Price:
“After decades of targeting marginalized communities for his own profit, karma finally caught up with Tom Price,” said Sarah Kate Ellis, president and CEO of GLAAD. “It’s a relief that an anti-LGBTQ activist like Price was removed from the Trump Administration’s highest ranks, but LGBTQ Americans must remain vigilant and prepare for the next nomination – as they could bring the same discriminatory agenda as the rest of the president’s picks.”
“We are glad Tom Price resigned because he jeopardized the health and well being of LGBTQ people and other marginalized communities,” said David Stacy, HRC director of Government Affairs. “Americans deserve a secretary of Health and Human Services who will stand up for them and look out for their best interest no matter who they are, where they come from or whom they love.”
“Secretary Price’s gross misuse of taxpayer funds may have been the ultimate cause for his resignation, but he failed in many ways to honor the legacy of his office,” said Vanita Gupta, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. “He was an integral part of Republican efforts to take health care away from millions and end the Medicaid program, and he called for massive budget cuts to our health system.
“Despite repeated attempts by the Republican Congress to repeal it, the Affordable Care Act remains the law of the land, and the executive branch has an obligation to enforce it, including its provisions that outlaw discrimination. As President Trump considers nominees to be the next Secretary of Health and Human Services, we urge him to name someone who will uphold the values and mission of that agency. Health care is a human right, and an issue of economic security. It should be a guaranteed right for all, and not just the wealthy few who can afford it. We must work together to find ways to improve health care for all, including people with disabilities, people of color, women, LGBTQ people, people whose primary language is not English, seniors, and low- and moderate-income families.
“Finally, Secretary Price’s resignation is a testament to the notable work of journalists who are willing to speak truth to power and hold our officials accountable. In these times, their work is now more important than ever.”
