Senate Republicans Split Over Medicaid Cuts in Trump 2026 Budget

President Donald Trump's 2026 budget, dubbed the "big, beautiful bill," has sparked intense debate among Republicans, particularly over proposed Medicaid cuts. The House has passed the bill, but Senate Republicans remain divided, with some opposing cuts to Medicaid and other programs, complicating the path to passage ahead of the government's funding deadline. New polling data from KFF reveals widespread concern among voters, including Republicans enrolled in Medicaid, about the impact of these cuts, with estimates that 11 to nearly 11 million people could lose coverage. Republicans defending the bill argue that Medicaid reform targets ineligible recipients and aims to eliminate waste, while Democrats emphasize the potential harm to millions of Americans and rural healthcare providers. Despite the partisan divide, many Republicans, including those in Medicaid, express anxiety about reduced federal funding and its consequences for access to care. The Senate's modifications to the bill could further fragment GOP support, risking the bill's passage and intensifying political challenges for lawmakers.