Democrats unleashed fierce criticism following the passage of Donald Trump’s budget bill on Thursday, labeling it a devastating blow to working-class Americans.
The legislation, which passed with minimal Republican opposition, prioritizes tax breaks for the wealthy while slashing critical social programs, sparking outrage among party leaders.
“This is a dark day for our country,” said Senator Raphael Warnock, highlighting the bill’s severe cuts to Medicaid and food assistance programs.
The bill’s approval, with only two Republican dissenters, sets the stage for intense Democratic campaigns targeting the 2026 midterms.
The budget bill’s provisions, including permanent tax cuts for billionaires and reduced Medicaid eligibility, have drawn sharp rebukes from Democratic figures.
Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez emphasized the bill’s contradictions, noting that it funds expansive immigration enforcement while allowing tax breaks for low-wage tipped workers to expire.
Critics also pointed to the bill’s impact on healthcare, with millions expected to lose coverage and rural hospitals facing closures.
Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib described the bill as “an act of violence against our communities,” condemning the bill’s disregard for vulnerable populations.
The bill’s passage has raised alarms among fiscal watchdogs, who warn of its contribution to the national debt.
Maya MacGuineas of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget called it “the single most expensive, dishonest, and reckless budget reconciliation bill ever.”
Democrats are already framing the legislation as a Republican betrayal of working families, with the House Majority Pac predicting voter backlash in 2026.
The party’s unified opposition signals a broader strategy to mobilize against what they call a “toxic agenda” favoring the elite.