GOP Pushes Massive Medicaid Cuts, Undermining Trump’s Promise to Protect the Program
Republican senators are advancing a controversial amendment that would slash billions more from Medicaid—directly contradicting former President Donald Trump’s pledge not to cut the program. The proposed measure, introduced over the weekend, aims to curtail Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act and could drastically reduce federal healthcare support for low-income Americans.
The amendment would block new Medicaid enrollees in expansion states from receiving the enhanced 9-to-1 federal match rate—unless they are both disabled and have dependent children. While current recipients would still qualify for the higher match, even if they temporarily leave and re-enter the program, this change would significantly scale back future access and funding.
If passed, the new restrictions would take effect in 2031, giving states a few years to prepare for the financial shift. Supporters of the amendment argue it’s a “good policy” that encourages states to adjust gradually. “Nobody gets kicked off,” said Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), one of the amendment’s sponsors. But critics say the long-term impact would erode Medicaid’s safety net for millions of working-class Americans.
Sen. Scott, joined by GOP Sens. Ron Johnson (Wis.), Mike Lee (Utah), and Senate Finance Committee Chair Mike Crapo (Idaho), has not confirmed whether he will back the final version of the bill if his amendment fails. “I’ll figure it out then,” Scott told reporters, though he emphasized his support for Trump’s broader agenda.
However, this effort puts many Republicans at odds with a core Trump promise: not to touch Medicaid. During his presidency and 2024 campaign, Trump repeatedly assured voters that Medicaid would be protected—especially for seniors, people with disabilities, and working families. This amendment directly contradicts that commitment, raising concerns about the GOP’s long-term healthcare strategy.
According to a preliminary analysis by the Congressional Budget Office, the Senate bill would already cut Medicaid spending by $930 billion without the proposed amendment. If the amendment is adopted, total projected cuts could exceed $1.24 trillion over the coming years—representing one of the largest reductions in the program’s history.
As debate continues, the future of Medicaid—and the political fallout from breaking Trump’s healthcare promise—is becoming a central flashpoint in the ongoing battle over the GOP’s signature spending bill.
