Fact Check: Tillis claims Trump's spending package would cost North Carolina $38.9 billion.

Fact Check: "Tillis claims Trump's spending package would cost North Carolina $38.9 billion."

What We Know

Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina has publicly criticized President Trump's proposed spending package, which he refers to as the "Big Beautiful Bill." Tillis has stated that the Medicaid provisions within this bill could result in North Carolina needing to cover over $30 billion in costs due to lost federal funding (NPR, Newsweek). This claim aligns with estimates from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), which projects that the bill could cut Medicaid funding by approximately $790 billion over the next decade (Politico).

While Tillis's specific figure of $38.9 billion is not directly cited in the sources reviewed, he has consistently warned that the overall financial implications for North Carolina could be severe if the bill passes in its current form. He has also emphasized that these changes would force the state to eliminate coverage for hundreds of thousands of residents (PBS, WRAL).

Analysis

The claim that Trump's spending package would cost North Carolina $38.9 billion is partially true. Tillis's assertion about the financial burden on the state is grounded in concerns about Medicaid funding cuts, which are indeed projected to be significant. However, the exact figure of $38.9 billion appears to be an extrapolation or a specific estimate that is not directly supported by the cited sources.

Tillis's credibility as a source is bolstered by his position as a sitting senator and his access to legislative data. However, it is important to note that his statements may carry political motivations, especially given his recent decision not to seek reelection after facing backlash from Trump and other party members (NPR, Newsweek). This context could influence how his claims are perceived.

The sources cited include reputable news organizations such as NPR, Newsweek, and PBS, which are generally considered reliable. However, the framing of the financial implications can vary based on the outlet's political leanings, which may affect the interpretation of Tillis's claims.

Conclusion

The claim that Trump's spending package would cost North Carolina $38.9 billion is partially true. While Tillis's concerns about the financial impact of the Medicaid cuts are valid and supported by legislative analysis, the specific figure of $38.9 billion lacks direct citation in the reviewed sources. Therefore, while there is a significant potential cost associated with the bill, the exact number remains uncertain and should be viewed with caution.

Fact Check: Tillis claims Trump's spending package would cost North Carolina $38.9 billion.