Democratic Party of Oregon

04/02/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/02/2026 16:17

GOP Congressional Candidate Monique DeSpain Backs Trump’s Approach on War in Iran as He Claims Military Spending Makes Funding Medicare “Not Possible”

Portland, OR - Yesterday, during a private Easter luncheon at the White House, Donald Trump claimedit was "not possible" for the federal government to fund Medicare, Medicaid and child care costs due to the need for increased military spending: "We're fighting wars. We can't take care of day care."

Trump's comments come as everyday Americans are already struggling with higher gas pricesdue to Trump's war, skyrocketing health carepremiums after his cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act, and increased costs on everyday goods and services from his illegal and reckless tariffs. It comes as no surprise that every single major pollhas shown Americans largely disapprove of Trump's war - but as the White House prepares its 2027 proposed budget, they have indicated that a bloated military budget will take priority over supporting the needs of American families.

Yet in a recent interview with Politico, Oregon GOP congressional candidate for CD4 Monique DeSpain continued to endorse Trump's war, calling for the "swift removal of any threats to our country." DeSpain previously came under fire during her 2024 congressional run for violating Air Force regulationsfor political candidates.

"It is clear that Oregonians do not want and do not support a war with Iran," said Ellie Josephson, Chair of the Democratic Party of Oregon's Veteran Caucus and CD 4 Voter. "Oregonians want leaders who will focus on driving down the rising costs they face every day. Instead, they're getting a candidate in DeSpain who is attempting to justify Trump's illegal war. We don't need another endless war in the Middle East to distract from Republican failures, and we certainly don't need another Trump supporter like Monique DeSpain in Congress."

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