Today in Focus Trump’s big beautiful betrayal
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Jul 8, 2025 
Ed Pilkington, Chief Reporter for Guardian US, dives into the implications of Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill' and how it threatens safety nets for poorer Americans. He discusses the political maneuvering that allows legislation to benefit the wealthy while cutting crucial programs like SNAP and Medicaid. Personal stories reveal the harsh realities families face due to these proposed cuts. Pilkington also examines the internal conflicts within the Republican Party and how this regressive bill aligns with the broader goals of the MAGA movement.
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Trump's Mega Bill: A Massive Wealth Shift Leaving Millions Behind
Donald Trump's "big, beautiful bill" will dramatically reshape America by extending tax cuts favoring the wealthy while cutting nearly $1 trillion from social welfare programs.
Key impacts include:
- Nearly $300 billion cut from SNAP, risking hunger for millions, with up to 8 million people possibly losing food assistance.
- Almost $1 trillion cut from Medicaid, threatening healthcare access for up to 17 million Americans and risking closure of rural hospitals serving Trump's own voter base.
- The wealthy gain significantly, with the top 0.1% earning an average of $300,000 more annually, while the poor face losses.
Despite Trump's base being largely low-income voters who supported him to improve their lives, many of the bill’s harshest cuts are delayed until after the 2024 elections, making political backlash less immediate.
This bill reveals that MAGA policy is driven by Trump's personal agenda, consolidating his control over the Republican Party even as it contradicts his campaign promises to help the struggling and middle class.
Trump's Mega Bill Strategy
- Trump's "big beautiful bill" bundles all his second-term goals into one massive legislative package.
- This approach shows his tight control over the Republican Party to push through controversial policies.
Massive Cuts to Food Assistance
- The bill cuts nearly $300 billion from SNAP, risking millions losing food assistance.
- Some states may drop out, leaving vulnerable families without basic nutrition support.