Veteran GOP strategist and Fox News contributor Karl Rove says President Donald Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill is poised to reshape the 2026 midterm elections—but only if Republicans stay aggressive in their messaging.
Appearing Friday on Fox News, just hours before the bill’s expected passage in the House, Rove described it as an “extraordinary achievement,” despite recent polling showing 59% of Americans view the bill unfavorably.
“The president needs to lead the effort to go out and explain it,” Rove said, emphasizing that Republicans must “go on offense” and under-promise but over-deliver on the bill’s benefits.
Medicaid Changes Could Shape the Narrative
Rove specifically pointed to the Medicaid reforms in the bill as politically pivotal:
“People are going to be losing their coverage,” he said. “Medicaid was meant for poor seniors, children in low-income families, and the disabled—not able-bodied adults who refuse to work.”
He referenced a study that found the top two activities among unemployed Medicaid recipients were watching TV and playing online games.
“Republicans need to say, ‘We’re doing what you told us to do—making sure these programs serve the truly vulnerable,’” Rove urged.
No Time to Celebrate—The Real Work Begins
Rove cautioned Republicans not to become complacent after passing the bill.
“There’s always a tendency to say, ‘We got the bill passed, let’s take a break,’” he warned. “No—this is when the real work begins.”
He argued that continued messaging and on-the-ground campaigning will be critical as voters begin to feel the effects of changes to Medicaid, tax credits, and federal spending programs in the lead-up to the 2026 midterms.
With Democrats slamming the bill’s provisions and legal challenges already underway, Rove’s message to his party was clear: stay on offense, control the narrative, and connect the bill to the GOP’s broader vision for government reform.
Leave a Reply