What Tennessee Stands to Lose Under Trump’s New Tax Law—And Who Really Benefits

A sweeping new law signed by former President Donald Trump on July 4 is poised to reshape Tennessee’s economic and social landscape—but not necessarily for the better. Dubbed the “Big Beautiful Bill,” the legislation delivers major tax cuts, with much of the benefit flowing to the wealthiest households. In return, it slashes funding for critical safety net programs that thousands of Tennesseans depend on to survive.

According to multiple nonpartisan policy groups, the bill's changes to Medicaid, SNAP (food assistance), and Affordable Care Act coverage could mean tens of thousands of residents losing access to health care and nutrition support. As many as 68,000 to 170,000 Tennesseans may lose subsidized insurance, and SNAP benefits are expected to drop by roughly 20%—a devastating hit, especially to the nearly 350,000 children in Tennessee who rely on this help.

Meanwhile, Tennessee’s richest residents will see the biggest dollar gains from the $7 billion in projected tax cuts, set to kick in fully by 2026. Despite the claims of relief for working families, the legislation could worsen inequality and deepen hardship for low-income communities across the state.

All of Tennessee’s Republican federal lawmakers backed the bill. Only Democratic Rep. Steve Cohen voted against it, calling it a "moral failure" that prioritizes the ultra-wealthy over vulnerable citizens.

If you live in Tennessee—or care about fairness and economic justice—this is a must-read article. Get informed about what’s coming and how it might impact your community. Your voice and vote matter more than ever.

📖 Read the full article to learn more about what’s at stake.