Trump’s Tax Bill Faces Criticism Over Health Insurance Losses

Jun. 4, 2025, 12:59 pm ET

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  • President Donald Trump’s big bill aims to cut taxes by $3.7 trillion over the next decade.
  • The bill is projected to increase federal deficits by $2.4 trillion during the same period.
  • An estimated 10.9 million people could lose health insurance due to the bill’s provisions.

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Essential Context

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has released an analysis of President Donald Trump’s big bill, which is currently making its way through Congress. The bill promises significant tax cuts but also forecasts substantial increases in federal deficits and a notable reduction in health insurance coverage.

Core Players

  • Donald Trump – President Trump and current Republican frontrunner
  • Congressional Budget Office (CBO) – Nonpartisan agency analyzing the bill’s impact
  • House Republicans – Key supporters of the bill
  • Democratic Party – Critics of the bill’s health care and tax provisions

Key Numbers

  • $3.7 trillion – Projected tax cuts over the next decade
  • $2.4 trillion – Projected increase in federal deficits over the next decade
  • 10.9 million – Estimated number of people who could lose health insurance
  • 7.8 million – Estimated number of people who could lose Medicaid coverage
  • 1.4 million – Estimated number of undocumented immigrants who could lose health insurance

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The Catalyst

The CBO’s analysis comes at a critical time as Trump pushes for the bill to be finalized and signed into law by the Fourth of July. This timeline is ambitious, given the significant changes the bill proposes.

“The work of the CBO will be weighed by lawmakers and others seeking to understand the budgetary impacts of the sprawling 1,000-page plus package,” a congressional aide noted.

Inside Forces

The bill’s tax provisions are designed to extend and expand upon the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. However, these cuts come at a cost, with the CBO estimating a $2.4 trillion increase in federal deficits over the next decade.

Republican leaders argue that the economic growth generated by these tax cuts will offset some of the deficit increases, but Democrats remain skeptical.

Power Dynamics

The relationship between the White House and the CBO has been tense, with the White House and Republican leaders criticizing the CBO’s findings in a pre-emptive campaign. This criticism underscores the political stakes involved in the bill’s passage.

House Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) described the CBO score as showing the “catastrophic consequences” of the bill, particularly for low-income voters.

Outside Impact

The bill’s health care provisions are particularly contentious. Medicaid cuts and reforms to the Affordable Care Act are expected to result in 10.9 million people losing health insurance, including 7.8 million who would lose Medicaid coverage.

This has sparked strong opposition from Democrats and health care advocacy groups, who argue that the bill disproportionately affects vulnerable populations.

Future Forces

Looking ahead, the bill’s fate in the Senate is uncertain. Significant changes could be made before it reaches the president’s desk. The timeline for passage is tight, with Trump aiming for a July 4th signing.

Key areas to watch include the Senate’s response to the CBO’s analysis and any potential amendments that could alter the bill’s impact on taxes, deficits, and health care.

Data Points

  • May 22, 2025: The House passed the “One, Big, Beautiful” reconciliation bill.
  • June 4, 2025: The CBO released its analysis of the bill.
  • July 4, 2025: Target date for the bill to be signed into law.
  • $1.3 trillion: Projected reduction in federal outlays over the next decade.
  • $2.2 trillion: Cost of extending lower tax rates alone over a decade.

The passage of Trump’s big bill will have far-reaching implications for the U.S. economy, health care system, and federal budget. As the bill navigates the legislative process, it remains to be seen how these changes will ultimately shape the country’s fiscal and health care landscapes.