MAGA voters fear devastation from Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ mega-cuts: ‘We’d lose everything’

However, nonpartisan experts and affected families are sounding the alarm over the devastating real-world consequences these cuts could have, particularly for low-income Americans—many of whom reside in the red states that helped re-elect Trump in 2024.

According to a detailed analysis released by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the proposed legislation would result in approximately 16 million people losing Medicaid coverage by 2034 if the bill becomes law in its current form.

The cuts, the CBO warns, are not simply about tightening administrative inefficiencies, but would significantly reduce eligibility and funding for the nation’s most vulnerable populations, including children, seniors and people with disabilities.

Notably, the impact would not be confined to traditionally Democratic, or “blue,” states. Republican-leaning states—including Missouri, where Trump defeated Democratic nominee Kamala Harris by a substantial 18-point margin—stand to lose significant federal health care support. As CNN’s Jeff Zeleny reported, residents in these states, who make up a large portion of Medicaid recipients, are increasingly anxious about what the future holds.

Among those speaking out is Courtney Leader, a 36-year-old mother from Missouri who relies on Medicaid to provide life-sustaining care for her daughter, Cyrina.

“This is not a luxury,” Leader said. “I do not have my daughter enrolled on Medicaid so we can have fancy things. I have her enrolled so we can keep her alive and keep her at home, which I think is the best option for her.”

Leader’s story is an important illustration of the stakes involved. Her daughter requires a specialized nutritional formula administered through a feeding tube. The cost of the formula alone exceeds the family’s monthly mortgage and food budget—around $1,500, a sum they simply cannot afford without Medicaid support.

“There is no way we could come up with that,” Leader said. “Who’s going to protect us when they can’t get paperwork done in time and we lose coverage for a month or two? I’m worried that the red tape is going to affect our Medicaid because of just the oversight burdens. And that as a result, I’m going to lose my daughter, because she’s lost coverage before.”

In Missouri, a state with a high rural population and limited health infrastructure, at least one in five residents depend on Medicaid for their health care. That statistic stresses how deeply any rollback could ripple through the population, including in the very communities that delivered Trump’s 2024 victory.

Leader has taken her concerns directly to her elected officials. In a heartfelt letter to Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Missouri)—a staunch Trump supporter and key defender of the bill—Leader pleaded with him to consider the human cost: “Without Medicaid, we would lose everything — our home, our vehicles, and eventually, our daughter.”

While Trump and Republican lawmakers continue to insist that those “truly in need” will not be affected, families like the Leaders remain unconvinced. They fear that bureaucratic complications, tightened eligibility requirements, and funding cuts will create systemic barriers that leave them stranded—possibly with life-or-death consequences.

“I know they’re saying they’re not planning to cut Medicaid, right?” Leader said. “But I reached out, concerned that if any changes are made, there will be this trickle-down effect that will impact families like mine.”

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Senate Republicans Work to Revive Trump’s Legislative Package Ahead of July 4 Deadline

They made strides Friday toward reviving the bill—after a series of last-minute revisions, including significant cuts to food assistance programs. Despite the progress, substantial hurdles remain as lawmakers brace for expected votes over the weekend.

Initially, Trump appeared to ease pressure on Congress by signaling flexibility on his self-imposed July 4 deadline, stating during a White House press conference, “It’s not the end all.”

However, he quickly reversed course, later urging House Republicans to ensure the bill’s passage in time for the Independence Day holiday. “We can get it done,” Trump wrote in a social media post. “It will be a wonderful Celebration for our Country.”

With Democrats unified in opposition, Republicans are working through unresolved issues within the sprawling bill, which proposes $3.8 trillion in tax cuts—the party’s top priority—funded by steep reductions to Medicaid, food stamps and green energy investments. Any remaining roadblock could jeopardize the bill’s passage.

Proposed Medicaid cuts have triggered concern among some GOP senators, who fear millions of constituents could lose coverage. Additionally, a tentative compromise over the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction—critical for lawmakers from high-tax states like New York—still requires broader consensus.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), who released lawmakers for the weekend but urged them to remain on standby, expressed optimism, saying the deal is “very close.” Both Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune have coordinated closely with the White House, emphasizing that the legislation is essential to avoid the expiration of the 2017 tax cuts by year’s end.

Republican leadership is counting on Trump’s influence to rally support and overcome internal divisions as they push to finalize the bill in time for a patriotic legislative win. However, it remains to be seen.