'Promises kept': Donald Trump's 'One Big Beautiful Bill' ends Medicaid for illegal immigrants; what it means

The White House on Monday announced that President Donald Trump’s flagship legislative proposal, the “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBB), will put an end to taxpayer-funded healthcare for undocumented immigrants in the United States.The announcement comes amid rising tensions in bustling Hollywood, as Los Angeles sees intensified demonstrations and clashes with law enforcement over ongoing immigration raids.“More than 1.4 million illegal immigrants — including cold-blooded criminals, like those arrested this weekend in Los Angeles — are currently on Medicaid, stealing benefits meant for American citizens,” said White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, sharing a post on the administration’s official website.

According to the White House, the OBBB aims to preserve Medicaid for US citizens by eliminating access for undocumented immigrants.

It also proposes major immigration enforcement measures, including:

“Promises made, promises kept,” the statement said, positioning the bill as a cornerstone of Trump’s 2025 agenda.

What is Medicaid cut?

Cutting Medicaid funding could trigger a wide range of negative effects for millions of Americans, especially the most vulnerable. Here's how:Reduced access to care: With less federal and state support, states might limit covered services, tighten eligibility, or lower payments to doctors—leading many providers to stop accepting Medicaid patients altogether.

Higher personal costs: Patients may face increased copays, deductibles, or other out-of-pocket expenses, making essential healthcare less affordable.Loss of coverage: Stricter eligibility rules or scaled-back benefits could push many off the program entirely.Harm to vulnerable groups: Low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities, who depend heavily on Medicaid—would be hit hardest by these cuts.However, the sweeping bill, which also includes major tax cuts, is projected to add around $3 trillion to the US national debt, drawing sharp criticism from some quarters, most notably Elon Musk.The world’s richest man and former Trump adviser called the legislation a “disgusting abomination” and warned it would saddle American citizens with “crushing, unsustainable debt.”Trump fired back, saying, “Elon was wearing thin. I asked him to leave — and he just went CRAZY!”Despite the high-profile spat, tensions appear to have cooled now. Both men have since dialled down their attacks, and a mutual softening in tone can be observed.