Trump warns Republicans against jeopardizing Medicaid cuts

On May 15, 2025, President Donald Trump met with congressional Republicans on Capitol Hill to discuss proposed reforms to Medicaid within the framework of a reconciliation bill that would also serve as a vehicle for tax reform. During this meeting, he emphasized that any cuts to Medicaid should be avoided and that the focus should solely be on eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse within the program. Trump cautioned that proposed cuts to Medicaid could lead to significant backlash and risk delaying the vote on the tax cut bill. This warning reflects a growing divide among House Republicans regarding the proposed budget, which includes significant alterations to Medicaid and a substantial debt ceiling increase. Furthermore, Trump’s comments came at a time when some conservatives were battling for deeper reforms to the Medicaid program. Meanwhile, Democrats have voiced concerns about these proposed changes, citing the possibility of millions of enrollees losing coverage. The House Energy and Commerce Committee, which drafted the Medicaid-related provisions of the tax bill, indicated that the Congressional Budget Office found that the majority of spending reductions would stem from changes in eligibility—not just cuts. According to the committee, the changes primarily affect undocumented immigrants, able-bodied adults opting not to work, and individuals who are ineligible for Medicaid. Additionally, the committee unveiled details regarding work requirements, proposing that able-bodied adults aged 19 to 64 receiving Medicaid must work 80 hours monthly to retain their eligibility. There have been attempts to put safeguards in place concerning state spending. The Affordable Care Act allows states to expand Medicaid eligibility, covering more individuals, but as the GOP navigates its internal divisions on the issue, the fate of the proposed changes remains uncertain. The meeting highlighted a struggle within the party, with Sen. Josh Hawley joining Trump in stressing caution to lawmakers. He urged fellow Republicans to consider the potential fallout from any detrimental changes to Medicaid. Trump’s strong stance reflects a critical moment for House Republicans—it underscores the necessity for unity in overcoming internal divisions while addressing a pivotal part of American health care. As discussions continue, the outcome of these deliberations will shape health care accessibility for millions across the country.