President Trump Backs Off Special Olympics Funding Cut

President Donald Trump says he is backing off a budget request to cut funding for the Special Olympics, after days of criticism.

Trump told reporters at the White House Thursday, "I've overridden my people for funding the Special Olympics."

The Trump administration's education budget proposal calls for the elimination of $17.6 million in funding for the Special Olympics, roughly 10% of the group's overall revenue.

Democrats pressed Education Secretary Betsy DeVos on the topic during a Senate budget hearing Thursday, just days after House Democrats grilled her on the proposal and sparked criticism online.

DeVos said she "wasn't personally involved" in pushing for elimination of the funding, but she defended it as her agency seeks to cut $7 billion from the 2020 budget.

The organization received $17.6 million from the Education Department this year, but DeVos says it should be supported through philanthropy.

On Thursday, during a Senate Appropriations/Education subcommittee hearing, DeVos was again asked about the cut. 

Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL): "Can I ask you, did you personally approve, I think a yes or no will do, the $18 million cut in funding for Special Olympics?"

Betsy DeVos: "No I didn't personally get involved in that."

Sen. Dick Durbin: "I want to tell you whoever came up with - whoever came up with that idea gets a Special Olympic gold medal for insensitivity."

Betsy DeVos: "Senator, just let me comment on the Special Olympics and you know I love the Special Olympics myself. I've given a portion of my own salary to the Special Olympics. I hope all of this debate encourages lots of private contributions to Special Olympics so let's not use disabled children in a twisted way for your political narrative. That is just disgusting and shameful."

The most recent budget request from DeVos also cuts funds from after-school programs, and support for students from low-income families.

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