It’s Friday afternoon in Washington, D.C. and it is beginning to look like installing a revolving door on the West Wing might not be such a bad idea. HHS Secretary Tom Price officially bit the dust a short while ago, after Trump was quoted earlier in the day saying he didn’t like the “optics” and was “not happy” about Price’s air travel issues, which have sparked a huge controversy and led straight to the doors of Scott Pruitt and Betsy DeVos where over-expenditures have been recorded for air travel and security guards, respectively. As is customary in Trump world, as each person leaves a chapter is closed but another round of conflict automatically begins. The Hill:
Price is now being investigated by HHS's inspector general and the House Oversight Committee.
The resignation sets up a huge confirmation fight in the Senate for Price's replacement.
Democrats have accused the administration of trying to sabotage ObamaCare, and whoever is nominated to replace Price will likely face questions about how they would manage the law.
HHS could be without a secretary for ObamaCare's next open enrollment season, which begins Nov. 1, if a nominee isn't confirmed quickly.
Following the resignation, Democrats including Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Ron Wyden, (D-Ore.) seized the moment to argue Trump’s next secretary pick should implement current health care law rather than seek to change it.