WASHINGTON (AP) — Barack Obama introduced the Affordable Care Act, Joe Biden enacted the Inflation Reduction Act, and President Donald Trump championed tax cuts. Although initially celebrated, each of these measures later became targets in subsequent political campaigns. Trump’s tax cuts, in particular, may risk being overshadowed in the ongoing debates surrounding the broader multitrillion-dollar bill, with Democrats arguing that the legislation could negatively impact healthcare access for low-income Americans and reverse longstanding energy policies.
Through a mix of persuasion and pressure, Trump managed to rally nearly all Congressional Republicans in support of his key legislation, despite certain contentious aspects. Employing his familiar business tactics, Trump focused on branding the legislation as the “One Big, Beautiful Bill” and aggressively pushed for its passage through Congress solely with Republican support.
However, the true test of Trump’s victory will come during the 2026 midterm elections, where Democrats are poised to campaign on the narrative that the tax cuts primarily benefit the wealthy at the expense of the less privileged, particularly in terms of healthcare coverage. While Republicans argue that those in need will not lose their coverage, independent analysts project a significant rise in the number of uninsured individuals. Additionally, the GOP’s claim that the bill will stimulate the economy will face scrutiny amidst ongoing economic uncertainty and trade challenges.
In an attempt to counter accusations of favoring the wealthy, Trump included provisions in the bill aimed at reducing taxes for workers receiving tips and overtime pay, segments representing a small portion of the workforce. Extending the tax cuts from his first term, Trump argued that millions would avoid a tax increase as a result of the legislation. However, to fund these priorities, Republicans made substantial cuts to Medicaid, contradicting Trump’s assurance that individuals on government assistance programs would not be impacted.
Despite efforts to emphasize benefits for working-class Americans, the ultimate impact of the bill remains uncertain. Many presidents have witnessed their key legislative achievements undone by successors or become liabilities for their party in subsequent elections. From Obama’s health reform to Biden’s legislative struggles, history shows that even significant accomplishments can fail to translate into sustained political support.
Kyle Kondik, an elections analyst at the nonpartisan University of Virginia’s Center for Politics, emphasized the importance of being rewarded for efforts. Democrats are aiming to turn their policy setbacks into political successes. Despite President Trump’s initial promise to protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, his administration ultimately made cuts to these programs, affecting millions of Americans. The Congressional Budget Office predicts that these cuts could lead to 11.8 million more people being uninsured by 2034. Some Republicans, like Sen. Thom Tillis, expressed concerns about the legislation’s impact on coverage and decided not to seek reelection. Despite early polling showing the bill’s unpopularity, the White House remains confident in its research. President Trump dismissed Democratic opposition to the bill, attributing it to personal animosity. Only Republicans are currently celebrating the bill’s passage.
