During an extensive interview on KGW’s “Straight Talk,” Governor Tina Kotek voiced strong criticism of the Trump administration’s federal governance, particularly regarding potential Medicaid cuts and their effects on housing initiatives within Oregon.
In her third year as governor, Kotek did not hold back her concerns about how the new administration’s policies are influencing the state, describing the federal government’s actions as erratic and disruptive. She specifically highlighted the proposed federal cuts to Medicaid, which could have a profound impact on Oregon, where around one-third of residents depend on the program for health care and other essential services.
Trump is urging the GOP-controlled Congress to approve what he terms a “big beautiful bill,” which encompasses approximately $4.5 trillion in tax reductions and $2 trillion in spending cuts that would likely necessitate significant reductions to Medicaid funding. While Kotek acknowledged that new administrations often endeavor to fulfill campaign promises, she expressed disappointment with the manner in which these changes are being implemented.
The governor also criticized the workforce reductions across federal agencies, including the Department of Education, which has reportedly lost about half of its staff. Kotek described the federal government’s mass layoffs as “very scattershot,” indicating a lack of understanding of which positions are being eliminated and the subsequent need to restore some of those roles.
Kotek warned that these cuts could have severe repercussions for vulnerable populations throughout the state. Additionally, the Trump administration’s recent freeze on climate-related grants includes nearly $200 million earmarked for pollution protection projects that Oregon was relying on to support various initiatives.
