Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear called President Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” the “worst bill I’ve seen in my lifetime” in a July 3 appearance on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.”
In the roughly eight-minute interview, Beshear talked about several negative impacts he believes the sweeping domestic policy bill could wreak on Kentucky, including economic strains on the state budget and increased barriers to health care access in rural parts of the commonwealth.
The bill, which passed the House of Representatives July 3 and is expected to get the president’s signature July 4, extends tax cuts passed during Trump’s first term, makes cuts to social safety net programs like Medicaid and SNAP and invests billions of dollars in border security and the U.S. military.
Beshear said the bill would leave roughly 200,000 Kentucky residents without health care coverage, while about 20,000 health care workers would lose their jobs.
An analysis published by the Kentucky Center For Economic Policy in June found the Medicaid cuts could risk 35 rural hospital closures in Kentucky — the most of any state.
Beshear slammed Republicans in support of the bill, accusing them of abandoning constituents who depend on the programs.
“It seems like they care more about being a good Republican than a good representative or senator,” the governor said. “They’re elected to represent the people of their districts, and for every Kentucky congressman or senator that’s voting for this, it hammers their constituents.”
A few Republicans in Kentucky’s federal delegation have also criticized the bill.
Sen. Rand Paul was one of three Republicans to oppose the bill when it passed the Senate July 1. Rep. Thomas Massie voted against the bill both times it came before the House, sparking tensions between him and Trump.
More: Sending a signal: Through podcast and other appearances, Beshear building a national image
Contact reporter Killian Baarlaer at kbaarlaer@gannett.com or @bkillian72 on X.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: KY Gov. Andy Beshear criticizes Trump tax bill on MSNBC