President Trump’s second term began with a bold plan: to draw support from low-income Americans even while reducing the very public programs many of them rely on. His political strategy banks on the idea that these voters will stay loyal regardless of policies that might directly affect their daily lives.
A major tax-and-spending proposal currently before Congress is where this risky approach is being tested. The president is pushing for major changes that could hurt many working-class households financially, yet he is counting on their continued support. It remains to be seen how they will respond if these changes go through.
The version of the bill that passed through the House includes deep cuts to nutrition assistance and would eliminate health insurance access for nearly 11 million people.
On the other side, the proposal favors the wealthy with major tax cuts and increases the federal debt by several trillions. The Senate’s draft goes even further by reducing Medicaid support more sharply, while making smaller cuts to food support.
Potential Impact on Future Elections
Whether this bill becomes law could influence both the upcoming congressional elections and the future shape of government assistance. It will also reveal whether the Republican Party can keep the support of voters who may lose public aid.
In the past, most of these programs were aimed at poor individuals and were often dismissed by critics as welfare for city-dwelling minorities. Now, the reach of these services has expanded to include many working-class households, the same group Republicans have recently been trying to win over.
Programs like Medicaid and food stamps have seen enrollment numbers rise over the past 20 years. With the Affordable Care Act, signed in 2010, subsidies were extended to households earning up to four times the poverty rate.
Temporary boosts during the pandemic pushed those limits even higher, but these supports are about to expire.
A few voices within the Republican Party are starting to worry that removing these benefits could trigger negative reactions. Tony Fabrizio, who conducts polls for Trump, has pointed out that cutting Medicaid is not something the public currently supports.
Senator Josh Hawley from Missouri described the Medicaid reduction plan, which would cut about $800 billion, as both unethical and politically dangerous. Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina has issued similar warnings, suggesting Republicans could be held responsible by voters for the impact of these decisions.
