Washington, D.C. — In a last-ditch effort to rally moderate Republicans, former President Donald Trump welcomed a group of hesitant GOP members to the White House on Wednesday, aiming to bolster support for his proposed “One Big Beautiful Bill.” However, the meeting revealed significant divisions among party members, particularly over contentious cuts to Medicaid that could have major implications for millions of Americans.
During the meeting, Trump reiterated a pledge to protect key social safety nets including Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security, warning lawmakers against undermining these programs if they expect to maintain electoral success. Despite his assurances, a Republican attendee pointed out that the current legislation indeed modifies Medicaid. This caught Trump off guard, highlighting a disconnect between his message and the bill’s contents.
According to a recent analysis, the Senate version of the legislation proposes cutting over $1 trillion from Medicaid, part of a broader $1.2 trillion reduction affecting various safety net programs. The Congressional Budget Office forecasts that these cuts could leave approximately 11 million individuals without crucial health coverage.
In an effort to advance the bill, House Speaker Mike Johnson worked for hours to secure a procedural vote. The Senate narrowly passed the legislation with a 51-50 vote, aided by Vice President J.D. Vance’s tie-breaking decision. However, the progress was hampered by procedural delays and internal party disputes, threatening Trump’s ambitious timeline for a signing ceremony by Independence Day.
The proposed bill also allocates significant funds to military spending, with $150 billion directed to the Pentagon, alongside $350 billion earmarked for enhanced immigration enforcement. This includes funding for the addition of 10,000 new ICE officers, indicating a renewed focus on border security.
As the spotlight shifts to the House, GOP leadership faces a precarious situation where they can only lose three votes. Republican Thomas Massie of Kentucky has already committed to opposing the bill, signaling potential hurdles ahead for the legislation’s passage.
In response to concerns raised about the bill’s implications for Medicaid, a White House spokesperson emphasized that the administration aims to safeguard the program for vulnerable populations by addressing inefficiencies and abuse. This assertion, however, has been met with skepticism as lawmakers evaluate the potential ramifications of the proposed cuts.
As the debate continues, the internal strife within the Republican Party intensifies, leaving the fate of Trump’s flagship legislative initiative hanging in the balance. The coming days will be critical as the House considers its next steps amid growing dissent and the looming July deadline.