In response to Donald Trump’s announcement today on Americans’ personal health data, DNC Rapid Response Director Kendall Witmer released the following statement:

“This administration has taken a wrecking ball to Americans’ privacy. Whether it’s our Social Security information, tax records, and now, our personal medical data, the Trump administration knows no limit when it comes to scheming with Big Tech. Donald Trump doesn’t care about keeping data safe, secure, and private — instead, he’s working to line the pockets of Big Tech by granting them unregulated access to Americans’ personal data.” 

NEW: Donald Trump is pushing for dozens of Big Tech firms to have unregulated access to the private health data of millions of Americans, raising major privacy concerns. 

Associated Press: “The Trump administration is pushing an initiative for millions of Americans to upload personal health data and medical records on new apps and systems run by private tech companies … 

“The event is expected to involve leaders from more than 60 companies, including major tech companies such as Google and Amazon …

“Digital privacy advocates are skeptical that patients will be able to count on their data being stored securely.

“The federal government, however, has done little to regulate health apps or telehealth programs, said Jeffrey Chester at the Center for Digital Democracy. … 

“The new initiative would deepen the pool of information on patients for the federal government and tech companies. Medical records typically contain far more sensitive information, such as doctors’ notes about conversations with patients and substance abuse or mental health history. … 

“This scheme is an open door for the further use and monetization of sensitive and personal health information,” Chester said.

The Trump administration has shown they have zero regard for Americans’ privacy, attempting to gain access to, share, and expose sensitive information at every opportunity it gets. 

The Hill: “Trump knocks down barriers around personal data, raising alarm” 

“Privacy experts say the moves bring the country closer to a surveillance state, increase the government’s vulnerability to cyberattacks and risk pushing people away from public services.” 

USA Today: “Trump administration has expanded the government surveillance state to a whole new level … 

“And in doing so, privacy experts warn, the federal government is inevitably scooping up, sorting, combining and storing data about millions of law-abiding Americans.”  

Politico: “The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ended its plans last week to block data brokers from selling consumers’ personal data — including financial information and Social Security numbers — to third parties. Experts warn that the move is the latest in a long line of decisions from the Trump administration to erode data privacy protections for Americans. …

“Experts warn that backtracking on the proposal hands a free pass to data broker firms — which have been easy targets for cybercriminals — to sell sensitive information on Americans to the highest bidder.”  

CBS News: “DOGE … has access to a Treasury unit called the Bureau of the Fiscal Services, which disburses trillions in payments each year, including Social Security checks and federal salaries, according to The Associated Press.” 

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