Americans Reject Trump’s ‘Beautiful Bill’: Medicaid Cuts for Tax Breaks Spark Outrage

WASHINGTON — A recent KFF poll reveals that while Republicans and supporters of President Donald Trump’s Make America Great Again platform endorse the U.S. House’s recently passed bill, broader public sentiment is decidedly negative. The survey indicates that a striking 64% of Americans disapprove of the proposed tax policy changes and spending cuts.

Support varies dramatically by political affiliation. Only 13% of Democrats and 27% of independents view the bill favorably. In contrast, among Republicans, approval stands at 61%, with 72% of MAGA supporters backing the legislation.

The sentiment shifts when the public is informed about specific components of the bill. Opposition swelled to 67% when respondents learned the bill could decrease Medicaid spending by over $700 billion, according to estimates from the Congressional Budget Office. If informed that 10 million people might lose their health insurance, disapproval climbed to 74%. Additionally, 79% opposed the bill when it was explained that local hospital funding would be reduced.

KFF President and CEO Drew Altman emphasized the need for public awareness, stating, “Our poll shows that views toward the bill can shift when presented with more information.”

The House approved its comprehensive 11-bill package in late May, sending it to the Senate. GOP senators are currently debating which elements to uphold or modify while consulting with the parliamentarian on compliance with reconciliation rules. Senate Majority Leader John Thune plans to bring a revised version to the floor next week, subject to potential delays.

The KFF poll also highlights significant bipartisan support for Medicaid; 83% of Americans favor the program. This sentiment spans across political lines: 93% of Democrats, 83% of independents, and 74% of Republicans endorse the state-federal health program.

Regarding a provision in the House bill requiring some Medicaid recipients to work or participate in community service, about two-thirds support it. However, if informed that many current beneficiaries already work and could lose coverage due to paperwork, 64% oppose the requirement.

Concerns are prevalent regarding provisions affecting Planned Parenthood. Overall, 67% oppose barring Medicaid funding to the organization for routine health care. Notably, that opposition rises to 80% when informed that current federal payments to Planned Parenthood do not go toward abortion services, and that cutting funding could hinder lower-income women’s access to essential health services.

While 54% of Republicans support the funding ban, 78% of independent women and 51% of Republican women oppose it. Additionally, 70% expressed worry regarding changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) impacting food affordability.

When surveyed about the anticipated effects of the legislation, opinions varied widely. Among Republicans, 32% believed the bill would benefit them, while 47% thought it would make little difference and 21% felt it would be detrimental. In contrast, only 6% of Democrats expected benefits, whereas 66% anticipated negative effects.

The perception of who stands to gain from the bill also differs; 51% of respondents believe wealthy individuals will benefit, compared to just 21% who think it will assist the lower-income demographic.

Conducted between June 4 and June 8, KFF’s poll surveyed 1,321 U.S. adults, with a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.