President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” has faced significant opposition from the public, with nearly two-thirds of adults expressing their disapproval, as shown in a recent KFF poll. The bill, which was approved by the House of Representatives in May, aims to extend Trump’s 2017 tax cuts while cutting federal spending on health programs, including Medicaid.
Interestingly, even Trump’s most fervent supporters, particularly those who identify with the “Make American Great Again” movement, showed decreased support for the bill when they learned about its potential impacts on healthcare. The poll revealed that while initially, 61% of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents, as well as 72% of MAGA supporters, backed the bill, these numbers dropped significantly when respondents were informed about the bill’s consequences.
Ashley Kirzinger, KFF’s director of survey methodology, highlighted the shift in support among MAGA supporters once they were made aware of how the bill could affect local hospitals and reduce Medicaid coverage. This suggests that when individuals learn more about the legislation’s potential impact on themselves and their families, their partisan views may soften.
House Speaker Mike Johnson has defended the bill, emphasizing that it does not “cut Medicaid.” However, the Congressional Budget Office has estimated that the bill would reduce federal spending on Medicaid by $793 billion over a decade, leading to nearly 8 million more people becoming uninsured. The legislation has sparked opposition from the healthcare industry, particularly hospitals expecting significant funding cuts due to Medicaid coverage reductions.
As the Senate prepares for a potential vote on its version of the bill, the KFF poll indicates growing support for Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Medicaid, which covers about 78 million disabled individuals and those with low incomes, enjoys broad support among adults, with 83% expressing favorability. Similarly, two-thirds of adults hold favorable views of the ACA, marking a significant increase in popularity since its enactment in 2010.
The poll also shed light on public understanding of key provisions of the GOP bill, such as work requirements for Medicaid recipients. While initially, a majority of adults supported such requirements, attitudes shifted when respondents were provided with more information. For instance, concerns about individuals losing coverage due to challenges in documenting their work status led to a shift in support, with nearly two-thirds of adults opposing Medicaid work requirements.
Overall, the KFF poll highlights the complexities surrounding healthcare legislation and the importance of informed decision-making. As the debate over the “One Big Beautiful Bill” continues, it is evident that public opinion is influenced by a deeper understanding of how policies may impact individuals and communities.
