President Donald Trump took to his Truth Social account on Wednesday evening to brag about his freshly passed "big, beautiful bill," including a $50 billion bailout for rural hospitals — which was only necessary because the bill cuts around $1 trillion from Medicaid.
"Americans know we need a better Healthcare System to properly serve our Great Communities that were abandoned by the Radical Left Democrats," wrote Trump. "That is why Republicans included $50 Billion Dollars in the 'ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL' — to strengthen our most vulnerable Hospitals, including those in Rural areas. BUT, EVERY DEMOCRAT VOTED AGAINST THIS FUNDING!"
"I want to thank all of the Republicans in Congress who worked incredibly hard to make this achievement possible. OUR NATION THANKS YOU, TOO!"
The bill in question strips Medicaid of about $1 trillion over the next decade, both by reducing the amount states can charge and get matched in provider taxes, and ordering states to craft work requirements that will make enrolling in Medicaid in the first place much harder, even for those who meet or are exempt from them.
The former in particular was a major sticking point even for a number of Republicans who ultimately voted for the bill, with Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) introducing legislation to roll that provision back.
The president is hoping to follow up this bill with another round of cuts to foreign aid and public radio, which is currently in debate in the Senate.
