In interviews on Sunday, Trump administration officials did everything they could to downplay the Medicaid cuts in the presdient’s massive tax bill, given the electoral backlash Republicans could face.

In a speech from the White House balcony facing the South Lawn, Trump thanked Republican lawmakers who helped usher the bill to his desk. He touted the tax cuts in the bill, brushing aside criticism of the impact to social programmes such as food assistance and Medicaid.