Key Takeaways:
- GOP’s new bill cuts $880 billion from Medicaid over 10 years.
- This contradicts President Trump’s promises to protect Medicaid.
- Over 85 million Americans rely on Medicaid for affordable healthcare.
- The bill introduces work requirements that could drop millions from the program.
- The bill barely passed the House and now faces an uncertain future in the Senate.
GOP’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” Cuts Medicaid by $880 Billion
A top adviser to President Trump has revealed that the Republican Party’s new budget plan will slash $880 billion from Medicaid over the next decade. David Sacks, who works on AI and cryptocurrency for the White House, made this admission during a recent podcast. This news has caused a stir because President Trump and other Republican leaders have repeatedly vowed to protect Medicaid.
Medicaid is a program that provides free or low-cost healthcare to over 85 million Americans, many of whom are low-income families, children, and people with disabilities. Cutting funding for this program could leave millions without access to essential medical care.
A Major Contradiction in Trump’s Promises
President Trump has always said he would not cut Medicaid. However, this new bill does the opposite. The Republican-backed plan narrowly passed in the House of Representatives with a vote of 215 to 214, showing how divided lawmakers are on the issue.
During the podcast, Sacks explained that Trump didn’t have enough support in the House to make even deeper cuts. But one of the podcast hosts, Jason Calacanis, pushed back, saying that Trump has never hesitated to push hard to get what he wants. This raises questions about whether Trump truly supported these cuts all along.
Work Requirements: A Key Driver of Medicaid Cuts
The plan to cut Medicaid funding is largely tied to new work requirements for people who receive benefits. These rules would force many recipients to prove they’re working or looking for work to stay on the program. If they can’t meet these requirements, they could lose their healthcare coverage.
Studies suggest that these changes could lead to around 10 million people losing Medicaid by 2034. This has sparked fears that vulnerable Americans, including those who can’t work due to health issues or family responsibilities, will be harmed the most.
Speaker Johnson Denies Medicaid Cuts
Just days after Sacks’ comments, House Speaker Mike Johnson denied that the bill cuts Medicaid. During an interview with CBS News, Johnson claimed that Republicans are focused on making the program more efficient, not reducing funding. However, the numbers tell a different story. The $880 billion cut is a significant reduction, even if it’s spread out over 10 years.
Johnson’s denial has added to the confusion and mistrust surrounding the bill. Many critics argue that cutting funds and adding work requirements will make it harder for people to access the care they need.
What’s Next for the Bill?
The bill has passed the House, but it still needs to go through the Senate. Senate Republicans and Democrats are expected to challenge the plan, and it’s unclear whether it will pass. If it does, it could fundamentally change how Medicaid works in the U.S.
For now, the debate over Medicaid cuts has sparked a heated national conversation about healthcare and who should have access to it. Many Americans are urging lawmakers to rethink these changes and protect the program that millions rely on.