Trump and Rep. Steube criticize the Senate parliamentarian for blocking conservative reforms in Trump’s signature bill.

Criticism Mounts Over Senate Parliamentarian’s Role

President Donald Trump and Republican lawmakers are intensifying criticism of Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough after she struck down several key conservative provisions from the Senate GOP’s version of Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill.” The controversy has reignited debate over the parliamentarian’s influence in shaping legislation and the role of unelected staffers in the legislative process.

Rep. Greg Steube, R-Fla., voiced his frustration during an interview on FOX Report, arguing that it was unacceptable for a single appointed official to have the power to decide what provisions stay or go in a bill backed by a majority of elected representatives. “I had called for her to be fired,” Steube said. “I don’t think that one person who’s unelected, who got appointed over a decade ago, should be the one deciding what stays in and what doesn’t.”

The parliamentarian, a nonpartisan expert responsible for advising on Senate rules and procedures, ruled that several key reforms—particularly concerning Medicaid—did not conform to Senate rules and could not be included in the final bill. The ruling frustrated conservative lawmakers, who see these provisions as essential to Trump’s legislative agenda. Senator Roger Marshall, R-Kan., echoed Steube’s sentiments, openly calling for MacDonough’s replacement.

Steube pointed out that all lawmakers in Congress were elected by their constituents to make decisions about legislation, while the parliamentarian is appointed and not subject to public accountability. He questioned why Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., had not replaced MacDonough with a Republican appointee, given the GOP’s current majority in both chambers. “Thune has said he’s not going to do that, so they’re going to move forward,” Steube said, indicating ongoing frustration within Republican ranks.

Host Jon Scott raised the point that MacDonough’s job is to “call balls and strikes,” not make political decisions. Nevertheless, Steube argued that MacDonough’s appointment by the late Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid still casts doubt on her impartiality in the eyes of some conservatives. “What House lawmakers that have been elected by the people passed by a majority of the House of Representatives and sent over to the Senate are now getting struck by one person who was appointed by Harry Reid,” Steube stated. “I certainly don't think that's what the American people voted for.”

Trump Echoes Criticism and Warns Against Staff Interference

President Trump quickly amplified Steube’s comments on Truth Social, writing, “Great Congressman Greg Steube is 100% correct. An unelected Senate Staffer (Parliamentarian), should not be allowed to hurt the Republicans Bill. Wants many fantastic things out. NO!” Trump’s endorsement of Steube’s position highlights growing tension between the White House and the Senate’s procedural authorities, as critical elements of the administration’s legislative agenda hang in the balance.

The dispute raises fundamental questions about the power of Senate rules and the balance between elected lawmakers and nonpartisan experts. As Republicans weigh their next steps, some are calling for leadership to revisit the parliamentarian’s role or even seek a replacement to ensure future legislation is not similarly affected. For now, the fate of several key reforms in Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” remains uncertain, with the path forward likely to fuel continued debate both inside and outside the Senate chamber.