The Nevada Democratic Party is once again accusing Gov. Joe Lombardo of putting Donald Trump ahead of Nevadans.
Their September 9th press release claimed that 115,000 Nevadans will lose health care, the state nearly lost $35 million in federal health grants, and that Lombardo vetoed a bill to lower prescription drug prices because of pharmaceutical donors.
But let’s talk about whether or not those claims hold up.
Claim 1: Lombardo Puts Trump First
Democrats say: “Joe Lombardo continues to put Donald Trump first and Nevadans’ health and safety last.”
The facts: Lombardo has repeatedly gone on record opposing federal Medicaid cuts.
In a February 26, 2025, letter to state lawmakers, he warned that reductions would bring “serious consequences” for nearly 800,000 Nevadans.
He also declined to sign a Republican Governors Association letter that supported Trump’s budget bill.
Verdict: Misleading. Lombardo may share some conservative policy views with Trump, but he has not rubber-stamped federal Medicaid cuts. His own words prove otherwise.
Claim 2: Lombardo Vetoed a Prescription Drug Bill to Protect Donors
Democrats say: Lombardo vetoed a bill that would have lowered prices to Medicare’s negotiated rate and did so because drug companies gave him campaign cash.
The facts: Lombardo did veto a prescription drug bill, but the Democratic release leaves out key details.
The bill’s feasibility and cost issues were real concerns, and no hard evidence shows campaign donations drove his decision.
Conservatives argue that government-set prices can backfire, leading to drug shortages or higher costs elsewhere in the system.
Lombardo has instead pushed broader health reforms, like Senate Bill 495, to expand provider access and mental health services.
Verdict: Needs context. The veto happened, but linking it directly to donors is speculation, not fact.
Claim 3: Lombardo Cheered Trump’s Tax Bill That Would “Pummel” Nevada’s Hospitals
Democrats say: Lombardo supported Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” which will devastate Nevada’s health system.
The facts: Once again, Lombardo did not sign onto the governors’ letter backing Trump’s bill.
He specifically warned Congress about the damage Medicaid cuts would do to Nevada hospitals.
While Democrats cite projections of billions lost, those are based on partisan estimates.
Verdict: False. Lombardo opposed the very Medicaid cuts Democrats say he cheered.
Claim 4: Trump Illegally Cut $11 Billion in CDC Grants, Threatening $35 Million for Nevada
Democrats say: Trump “illegally” ended CDC grants, putting Nevada’s funding at risk, and Democratic attorneys general like Aaron Ford saved the money.
The facts: There’s no verified evidence that $11 billion in CDC grants were cut illegally, nor that Nevada was about to lose $35 million.
No court has ruled the cuts illegal, and the Democrats’ release doesn’t cite a source.
While lawsuits over federal grants did happen, the details are murky and the numbers don’t match up with CDC’s own budget records.
Verdict: Unsubstantiated. The numbers don’t add up, and the “illegal” claim is an exaggeration.
Claim 5: Lombardo Dismissed Lawsuits and Only Cared About DOGE Reforms
Democrats say: Lombardo brushed off lawsuits to protect health funding and instead focused on “DOGE” (Department of Government Efficiency) reforms.
The facts: The “unfortunate” quote Democrats attribute to Lombardo isn’t sourced.
A tweet about DOGE reforms may exist, but tying it to health funding is a stretch. Conservatives see efficiency reforms as a way to cut waste and make programs sustainable.
Verdict: Misleading. There’s no proof Lombardo dismissed health funding concerns.
Claim 6: 115,000 Nevadans Will Lose Their Health Care
Democrats say: Because of Trump and Lombardo, 115,000 Nevadans will lose coverage.
The facts: That number is just a projection, not a confirmed fact.
Different Democratic sources cite 100,000, 115,000, or even 300,000 potential losses.
And blaming Lombardo ignores his record; he actively opposed Medicaid cuts that could lead to such losses.
Verdict: Exaggerated. The numbers are inconsistent and the blame is misplaced.
In Summary
The Nevada Democratic Party’s statement is heavy on rhetoric and light on facts. It uses words like “gutting” and “Cheerleader-in-Chief” to paint Lombardo as a Trump puppet, while ignoring his documented opposition to Medicaid cuts and his push for Nevada-specific healthcare reforms.
Conservatives see this as another example of partisan fear-mongering. Health care debates are complicated, but claims of “illegal” grant cuts, guaranteed coverage losses, and donor-driven vetoes don’t stand up to scrutiny.
Fact check summary:
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Lombardo puts Trump first: False
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Veto tied to donors: Unproven
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Cheered Trump’s tax bill: False
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$11 billion “illegal” CDC cuts: Unsubstantiated
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Ignored funding lawsuits for DOGE: Misleading
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115,000 Nevadans will lose health care: Exaggerated
When it comes to Nevada’s healthcare, Lombardo’s record shows he’s looking out for the state – even if Democrats don’t want to admit it.
