Context:

Senator Thom Tillis, a Republican from North Carolina, delivered a speech criticizing proposed cuts to Medicaid in a bill supported by former President Trump. Tillis, who recently announced his impending retirement, accused the GOP of breaking Trump's campaign promises to protect Medicaid. He directly addressed Trump, expressing that the former president had been misinformed about the bill's impact. The Senate was preparing for a vote on an amendment proposed by Senator Rick Scott to reduce federal funding for states that expanded Medicaid. Tillis's stance reflects tensions within the GOP regarding healthcare policy and the party's commitment to previous promises.

Dive Deeper:

• Senator Thom Tillis took to the Senate floor to voice his opposition to cuts in Medicaid proposed in a bill advocated by former President Trump, marking a significant moment as he approaches retirement.

• Tillis criticized his own party, accusing them of reneging on Trump's campaign promises to safeguard Medicaid, highlighting internal conflicts within the Republican Party regarding healthcare policies.

• In his speech, Tillis directly addressed Trump, suggesting the former president had been misinformed about the bill's implications, thereby challenging the narrative that the bill aligns with Trump's previous assurances.

• The Senate was poised to vote on an amendment by Senator Rick Scott, which aimed to reduce the federal matching share for states that chose to expand their Medicaid programs, indicating ongoing debates about state versus federal responsibilities in healthcare funding.

• Tillis's public criticism underscores the broader struggle within the GOP to balance fiscal conservatism with commitments made during election campaigns, particularly in relation to healthcare reform and Medicaid expansion.