AAP President Susan J. Kressly, M.D., FAAP, and two other AAP members attended the first congressional address of President Donald J. Trump’s second term on Tuesday in Washington, D.C.
“It is crucial for pediatricians to be at all places where policies are discussed and decisions that impact children are made,” said Dr. Kressly. “Having the opportunity to watch and listen to government leaders in this important event helps to better inform our work and identify opportunities for advancing our mission.”
Eric H. Ball, M.D., FAAP, and Ilan Shapiro, M.D., FAAP, also attended the joint session of Congress. All three pediatricians were in the area for the 2025 AAP Advocacy Conference, which took place Sunday through Tuesday in Arlington, Va. The conference culminates in visits with lawmakers on Capitol Hill.
“During an incredibly long day on Capitol Hill, I had the opportunity to meet dozens of senators and representatives, not only at the president’s joint address to Congress but also at receptions and in the halls of Congress,” Dr. Ball said. “In each of those interactions, I was able to introduce myself as a pediatrician who cares for kids on Medicaid and stress to them the importance of protecting this vital source of health care for kids.”
Dr. Ball, AAP District IX chairperson, joined other conference attendees in championing Medicaid on Tuesday. He told lawmakers that cuts would be “devastating” to U.S. children.
Medicaid was not mentioned during Tuesday’s address by President Trump.
Dr. Shapiro also attended the joint address after spending the day talking to legislators about the importance of Medicaid. He stressed that pediatricians must “move beyond being educators and become advocates.”
“It is now clearer than ever that if we are not at the table, the decisions affecting our patients will be made without us,” Dr. Shapiro said. “And if we’re not there, neither are the children and families we serve.”
The day also had some lighter moments, including taking dozens of selfies and getting lost multiple times in the basements of Congress. Dr. Ball also reflected on the opportunity to attend the joint address to Congress, calling it “a once-in-a-lifetime chance to participate in this annual tradition.”
