Paying for Trump’s agenda could require a GOP war over welfare and Medicaid

Published February 8, 2025 9:49am ET



The price tag for President Donald Trump’s legislative agenda is quickly adding up, particularly as Republicans eye making expiring tax cuts permanent that could cost $5 trillion to $11 trillion.

Entitlements and Medicaid could be on the chopping block by slashing eligibility with work requirements as the White House sets its sights on funding cuts that go beyond discretionary spending and into mandatory outlays that have historically been unpopular to touch.

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