Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski faced sharp criticism for supporting President Donald Trump's "big, beautiful bill," despite previously expressing concern over its significant Medicaid cuts.
On Tuesday, Murkowski was one of 50 Republicans who voted to pass the sweeping bill, which includes major cuts to Medicaid, jeopardizing health coverage for 17 million Americans, along with the largest reduction to SNAP benefits in U.S. history, potentially leaving 5 million without access to food assistance.
The legislation also raises average household energy bills by $400 annually, increases the national debt ceiling by $4 trillion, and delivers an additional $400,000 in benefits to the wealthiest 0.1% of Americans.
Murkowski, a crucial vote for Senate Majority Leader John Thune, ultimately supported the bill, though she told reporters she hopes it will be revised in the House. Nearly 40,000 Alaskans are now at risk of losing health insurance.
"I struggled mightily with the impact on the most vulnerable in this country, when you look to Medicaid and SNAP," Murkowski told reporters after the vote, adding that she didn't get "everything" she wanted but, "I had to look on balance."
Murkowski faced a wave of backlash online following the vote, where critics labeled her "pathetic," a "liar" and a "self-centered politician."
"One of the craziest things I've ever seen from a lawmaker. Lisa Murkowski just did a long post about how Trump's bill is 'bad' and 'not ready to become law' and how 'we need to get it right' and 'shouldn't be the final product'...," one user wrote on X, sharing screenshots of Murkowski's lengthy post. "AFTER PROVIDING THE TIEBREAKING VOTE FOR IT," the user added.
One of the craziest things I've ever seen from a lawmaker. Lisa Murkowski just did a long post about how Trump's bill is "bad" and "not ready to become law" and how "we need to get it right" and "shouldn't be the final product"...
— Will Stancil (@whstancil) July 1, 2025
AFTER PROVIDING THE TIEBREAKING VOTE FOR IT pic.twitter.com/frnv44H1x8
"Sen Murkowski, you sold us out," one user wrote on X. "What you voted for is the worst for our country. You sold our country out, and I, along with thousands of Alaskans, will no longer have your back."
The Alaska resident added, "I thought you were better than this... I was wrong."
Sen Murkowski, you sold us out.
— Arcticchar.bsky.social (@Arctic__char) July 1, 2025
What you voted for is the worst for our country.
You sold our country out, and I, along with thousands of Alaskans, will no longer have your back.
I thought you were better than this... I was wrong.@lisamurkowski 😤
"Eventually, this bill will become law. Watch the red states get exemptions for Medicaid like Murkowski did while the blue states are punished," another warned.
Eventually, this bill will become law. Watch the red states get exemptions for Medicaid like Murkowski did while the blue states are punished.
— Viola (Mask Up or Step Back) Lady (@Viola_Lady1982) July 1, 2025
"Murkowski got a handout for Alaska so she voted yes," one user remarked, likely referencing a provision that exempts "individuals in a noncontiguous state" from a SNAP requirement, an exemption that would save Alaska billions in nutrition assistance costs, according to The New York Times.
Murkowski got a handout for Alaska so she voted yes
— Love4Jesus70x7 (@Love4Jesus714) July 1, 2025
"Lisa Murkowski just killed millions of Americans," one X user bluntly stated.
Lisa Murkowski just killed millions of Americans.
— GuyManDudeBro (@GuyManDudeBro3) July 1, 2025
"Susan Collins showed more courage and sense than @lisamurkowski. This is almost miraculous if it counted for something. Shame on you senator Lisa Murkowski. Shame. I hope the people of Alaska kick you out once and for all!" another X user wrote.
Susan Collins showed more courage and sense than @lisamurkowski. This is almost miraculous if it counted for something. Shame on you senator Lisa Murkowski. Shame. I hope the people of Alaska kick you out once and for all! pic.twitter.com/udiSmxb1lS
— @Ima 🇺🇸🇨🇦💙🔬🔭 (@imatweet25) July 1, 2025
The only Republicans who opposed the bill were Senators Rand Paul of Kentucky, Thom Tillis of North Carolina, and Susan Collins of Maine. Like Murkowski, both Tillis and Collins had voiced concerns that the Medicaid cuts were too severe.
The bill now returns to the House, where GOP lawmakers are expected to act swiftly to meet President Donald Trump's July 4 deadline for signing it into law.
© 2025 Latin Times. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
