Republican Senator Josh Hawley has indicated that President Donald Trump is unlikely to endorse the Republican-led tax and spending bill in its current form due to proposed Medicaid cuts. Hawley expressed that President Trump has consistently opposed reductions in Medicaid benefits, which are part of the GOP House’s proposed legislation. This bill, a significant part of Trump’s legislative agenda, aims to provide extensive tax cuts while implementing substantial reductions to Medicaid, food assistance programs, and green energy initiatives.
The discussions around the bill have been marked by intense debates in the House, with lawmakers deliberating for extended hours. The legislation, which Republicans have dubbed a “big, beautiful bill,” proposes more than $5 trillion in tax breaks but faces resistance from both sides of the political spectrum. Concerns have been raised regarding its potential adverse effects on vulnerable populations and climate policies. Protests have erupted during hearings, with demonstrators opposing the Medicaid cuts, which some Democrats have labeled as “cruel.”
In a recent New York Times op-ed, Hawley urged his fellow Republicans not to compromise Medicaid, arguing that reducing healthcare funding to finance tax cuts is both “morally wrong and politically suicidal.” He emphasized the need for the Republican Party to support America’s working class by maintaining essential health benefits.
The legislative effort is part of a broader Republican initiative to extend the 2017 tax cuts and incorporate elements of Trump’s 2024 campaign platform. The proposal suggests eliminating taxes on tips, Social Security income, and car loan interest, alongside increasing the standard deduction and boosting the Child Tax Credit. To offset costs, Republicans plan to save $1.9 trillion largely by retracting green energy tax credits, with an overall estimated cost of $3.7 trillion over ten years due to deep cuts in social programs.
Despite the opposition, House Speaker Mike Johnson is pushing to pass the bill by Memorial Day, seeking to advance it to the Senate, where Republicans are drafting their version. Coordination with President Trump has been ongoing, with detailed reviews of tax provisions conducted in meetings, affirming Trump’s satisfaction with the bill’s tax elements.
The situation remains fluid, with further updates anticipated as discussions continue and the legislative process unfolds. The outcome of this legislative push will significantly impact the fiscal and social landscape, reflecting the GOP’s vision of combining tax relief with federal spending reductions.
