Fact Check: "MacDonough ruled major provisions of Trump's bill violated Senate rules."
What We Know
On June 26, 2025, Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough ruled against several significant provisions in a Republican domestic policy bill that was part of President Trump's agenda. These provisions included measures aimed at reducing federal Medicaid funding and altering student loan repayment options, which MacDonough deemed non-compliant with Senate rules governing budgetary legislation (New York Times, AP News). Her decisions were critical as they could potentially eliminate over $500 billion in intended spending cuts from the bill (New York Times).
MacDonough's role as parliamentarian is to ensure that legislation adheres to the Senate's rules, particularly when it comes to budget reconciliation, which allows certain bills to bypass the filibuster. Her rulings are influential, although not binding, meaning that while the Senate can choose to ignore her recommendations, doing so would set a significant precedent (AP News, BBC).
Analysis
The claim that MacDonough ruled major provisions of Trump's bill violated Senate rules is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The New York Times reported that MacDonough rejected key provisions that would have resulted in substantial cuts to Medicaid and changes to student loan policies, which were central to the Republican bill (New York Times). Similarly, the Associated Press confirmed that her rulings were a significant setback for Senate Republicans, who were attempting to pass the legislation quickly (AP News).
The BBC also highlighted that MacDonough's decisions reflect the ongoing tension in Congress regarding the interpretation of Senate rules, particularly as lawmakers attempt to push through major policy changes using budget reconciliation, which is meant to focus on fiscal matters (BBC). The reliability of these sources is high, as they are established news organizations with a history of accurate reporting on legislative matters.
However, some Republican lawmakers expressed frustration and suggested that MacDonough's rulings were politically motivated, calling for her removal (AP News, The Hill). This reaction indicates a potential bias in the interpretation of her rulings, as they are often viewed through a partisan lens.
Conclusion
The claim that "MacDonough ruled major provisions of Trump's bill violated Senate rules" is True. The evidence from multiple reputable sources confirms that Elizabeth MacDonough, the Senate parliamentarian, rejected significant provisions of the Republican bill, citing violations of Senate rules regarding budgetary legislation. These rulings have substantial implications for the bill's passage and reflect the complex dynamics of legislative processes in the Senate.
