Washington, D.C. — With the midterm elections approaching in 2026, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and other Democrats are seizing on President Donald Trump’s recently passed tax and spending bill as a pivotal campaign issue. Their concerns center around substantial cuts to Medicaid, a program crucial for millions of lower-income and elderly Americans.
Jeffries, speaking from the Capitol steps, characterized the proposed legislation as “cruel” and “dangerous,” emphasizing that it includes nearly $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid. He argued that these cuts serve to partially finance the extensive tax cut extension authored by Trump, stating that the measure could mark “the largest cut to health care in American history.”
As Trump promotes this legislation as a cornerstone of his second term, his messaging emphasizes economic growth. “THE ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL DEAL IS ALL ABOUT GROWTH,” he declared on social media, claiming it could usher in a historical economic renaissance for the nation. He showcased his administration’s assertions during a Midwestern event, likening the bill’s passage to an Independence Day gift for the country.
Despite Trump’s enthusiasm, Republicans face challenges as polls indicate that more constituents oppose the bill than support it. The White House contends that certain features, like work requirements for Medicaid, have garnered public backing. However, political analysts note that framing the bill poses difficulties for Republicans, especially when it involves arguing against a potential tax increase rather than promoting tax cuts.
The emotional toll of Medicaid cuts is tangible, affecting close to 70% of Americans who identify themselves or someone they know as beneficiaries of the program. According to recent KFF polling, 83% of respondents hold a favorable opinion of Medicaid, with a significant majority advocating against funding cuts. In states that have not expanded Medicaid, many residents wish to see broader access.
Despite these sentiments, misconceptions persist about the program. A considerable number of people inaccurately believe that most working-age adults on Medicaid are unemployed. Moreover, misconceptions about immigrant eligibility also complicate the discourse surrounding Medicaid.
Republicans argue their intent is to eliminate “waste, fraud, and abuse” while evaluating the substantial risk of millions losing their health insurance over the next decade, according to data from the Congressional Budget Office. Medicaid’s historical role in U.S. health care makes it a continually pressing issue for voters.
Healthcare has proven critical in past midterms; in 2010, backlash against the Affordable Care Act significantly contributed to Democratic losses. Interestingly, support for the ACA has surged since then, with recent poll data indicating it enjoys its highest favorability ever, reflecting a potential reversal in political fortunes for Democrats.
The current political landscape presents complex challenges for both parties, particularly with Trump’s approval rating hovering around 43%. Comparatively, congressional Republicans hold a 35% approval rating, while congressional Democrats fare even worse at 27%. A significant number of Democrats express dissatisfaction with their own leadership, suggesting internal divisions may hinder their ability to unify ahead of the midterms.
For Democrats to secure gains in the House, they will need to overcome their own hurdles, addressing not only party disunity but also crafting a compelling narrative around health care that resonates with voters. The stakes are high, as the upcoming elections offer an opportunity for both parties to reposition themselves in the evolving political landscape.