“Ultimate Betrayal” was the message the White House (Trump) sent to Republican Senators last night. This was before a procedural vote to begin consideration of the “Big Beautiful Bill”. It is well known Trump uses “fear” to get his way. This was at a time when it appeared “yea” votes were still needed.
This took place as many Senators were working to craft the legislation to protect their constituents. They heard stories from home about how cuts to Medicaid would impact healthcare, and the potential closure of rural hospitals and nursing facilities. Families are relating how unfairly cutting food assistance for their children. And substantial tax breaks will be given to the rich.
This Trump legislation is not popular, and the 2026 election is just around the corner. A recent poll by Trump’s favorite news station (Fox) found 38% of registered voters support the “Big Beautiful Bill” and 59% oppose it.
Heather Cox Richardson, an American historian, wrote on her Substack this morning…”in 1890, the Republicans forced through Congress a similarly unpopular measure: the McKinley Tariff, the law President Donald Trump has spoken of as a model for his economic policies. Like today’s budget reconciliation bill, the McKinley Tariff skewed the country’s economy even more strongly toward the very wealthy, putting more money in the pockets of the richest Americans at the expense of the poorest.”
Richardson further points out…”when it passed in the House, Republicans cheered and clapped at their victory. A Democrat yelled across the aisle, but next November you’ll mourn. Democrats were right. In November 1890 midterm elections, angry voters repudiated the Republican Party.”
Will history repeat itself?