• Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has criticized President Trump’s recent legislation, claiming it devastates rural America by threatening healthcare access, Medicaid funding, and local economies. The new law, signed over the weekend, extends Trump-era tax cuts and boosts border and military spending, but slashes critical safety nets and healthcare funding, prompting bipartisan concerns about its consequences.

FRANKFORT, KY (TDR) — President Trump’s latest legislation has drawn sharp criticism from Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, who warns the law will devastate rural America by slashing Medicaid funding and forcing hospitals to close. Signed into law on Saturday, the bill extends the 2017 Trump tax cuts and allocates more funding for border security and the military. However, opponents say it comes at the expense of safety net programs and healthcare access.

“This law is devastating,” Beshear said Sunday on CNN’s State of the Union. “It’s the single worst piece of legislation I have seen in my lifetime, and it is a congressional Republican and presidential attack on rural America.”

Medicaid Cuts Threaten Rural Hospitals

According to Gov. Beshear, the new law could leave 200,000 Kentuckians without healthcare and cause 20,000 healthcare workers to lose their jobs. Rural hospitals, heavily reliant on Medicaid funding, are at risk of closure, forcing residents—especially pregnant women and seniors—to travel hours for medical care. Beshear emphasized the economic ripple effects of these closures, warning that local economies will suffer as healthcare systems shut down.

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“This is going to hit rural America right in the face,” Beshear said. “I cannot believe Congress was willing to pass this.”

Economic Impact and Food Assistance Cuts

Critics argue the bill not only jeopardizes healthcare but also cuts critical food assistance for seniors and children. Every Democrat in Congress voted against the measure, citing its tax breaks for the wealthy and reduction in services for vulnerable populations. Despite bipartisan criticism, the Kentucky congressional delegation, except for Rep. Tom Massie, supported the legislation. Massie called it a “debt bomb ticking,” raising concerns about the long-term fiscal impact.

Political and Policy Implications

The legislation underscores the policy priorities of President Trump and congressional Republicans, who have pushed for tax cuts and military spending over social programs. While the administration lauds the bill as a win for economic growth and national security, opponents warn it will exacerbate inequalities and harm rural communities.

With rural hospitals closing and safety nets eroding, is this bill a win for America’s future—or a policy misstep?

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