Letters to the Editor | June 18, 2026
Inquirer readers weigh in on the rising cost of health insurance and the long-term finances of the Social Security system.
Reject Freedom 250
The Inquirer’s recent article on the “Great American State Fair” failed to explain a critical aspect of the controversy. Donald Trump specifically created the nonprofit organization that is hosting the “state fair,” known as Freedom 250, to bypass the official government commission Congress created years ago to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary. Creating Freedom 250 allowed Trump to put his minions in charge there (unlike with the congressionally approved celebration). Freedom 250 also allows him to solicit contributions from favor-seekers. As we have seen repeatedly in Trump’s second term, the way to gain his ear is to give money to entities he controls, like Freedom 250. And — surprise! — Trump has refused to identify any of Freedom 250’s private donors. So, in refusing to participate in the “state fair,” Pennsylvania would be saying no to a corrupt process whereby Trump has hijacked the nation’s birthday celebration to glorify his ego and trade favors with special interests. Here’s hoping Gov. Josh Shapiro decides Pennsylvania should stay home.
Matt Zencey, West Chester
The writer is a former editor at The Inquirer.
Healthcare for all?
So, the day before we learned Donald Trump saw 22 medical specialists for his annual physical exam, we learned that here in Pennsylvania, 160,000 people dropped Pennie when the cost of this “accessible” health insurance became unreasonable for them. Meanwhile, almost 30 million Americans can’t even see one physician, let alone 22, because they lack coverage. And why is healthcare increasingly out of reach (again) for so many? Because, despite Trump’s claim during his first rodeo that he would get Americans the greatest healthcare plan ever enacted, neither then nor now has he or the Republicans come up with anything to make sure that everyday, low- and moderate-income Americans can be covered for preventive, chronic, or critical health issues. But by all means, Mr. President, have those 22 physicians keep an eye on you while millions of Americans suffer needlessly and incur medical debt to the tune of $220 billion. You sure are making America healthy again.
Lesley Fredericks, Roslyn
Secure Social Security
Inquirer readers shouldn’t lose sleep over the long-term finances of Social Security, as the program has been running deficits since 2021. But the system could benefit from some much-needed changes.
The average American life expectancy has risen five years since 1983. Considering many Americans are working past 65 — including President Donald Trump, nearly half the Senate, and five U.S. Supreme Court justices — it’s incumbent upon Social Security to follow Denmark and raise the retirement age to 70 to remain solvent.
Alternatively, Social Security could increase the earned income that’s subject to the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA), or reduce/eliminate benefits for those whose gross income is over $300,000. However Congress chooses to tweak Social Security, benefits will almost certainly continue in some form.
Paul L. Newman, Merion Station
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