She Said No to Trump’s Biggest Bill: Who Is Senate Parliamentarian MacDonough?

Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough has unexpectedly taken center stage in Washington. Her recent rulings blocked key parts of US President Donald Trump’s major tax and immigration plan. That decision has disrupted Republican efforts to push the legislation quickly through Congress.

MacDonough, a long-serving nonpartisan official, usually works behind the scenes. But this time, her judgment triggered intense criticism from Republican lawmakers, some even demanding her removal.

What Triggered the Republican Anger?

Republicans had planned to pass their massive legislative package — called the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” — using a special process known as reconciliation. This process lets bills related to the budget pass with a simple majority, avoiding the 60-vote filibuster hurdle.

However, the Byrd Rule limits what can go into a reconciliation bill. It blocks items that have only a small or indirect impact on the federal budget.

Last Thursday, MacDonough ruled that several controversial parts of the Republican bill violated this rule. These included:

• Cuts to Medicaid and Medicare coverage for undocumented immigrants

• Bans on federal funds for transgender healthcare

• Limits on state-level provider taxes used to draw extra Medicaid funds

These blocked parts could have saved the government about $250 billion. But now, those savings are gone, and Republicans must revise the bill.

GOP Lawmakers Demand MacDonough’s Ouster

MacDonough’s rulings triggered a storm among Republicans. Senator Tommy Tuberville posted on X, “Unelected bureaucrats think they know better than U.S. Congressmen who are elected BY THE PEOPLE.” He demanded that MacDonough be fired “ASAP.”

Representative Greg Steube of Florida also lashed out. He questioned why a “swamp bureaucrat” from a decade ago had so much control over national laws.

Senator Roger Marshall claimed her decisions “very much would look like, politically, that she’s leaning to the left.” He also pushed for term limits for the role, saying the parliamentarian “doesn’t answer to anybody.”

Others, like Representative Keith Self of Texas, compared her to an activist judge and said, “The rogue Senate Parliamentarian should be overruled.” Dan Crenshaw echoed this, saying, “This is a hill we should fight for.”

But GOP Leaders Caution Against Drastic Steps

Despite the outrage, top Republican senators are not ready to fire MacDonough or override her rulings. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said they would not use the “nuclear option,” which would allow them to ignore her advice.

Senator John Cornyn explained, “We’re doing the usual process of trying to figure out how to achieve the same goal without having to go there.”

What Exactly Does a Senate Parliamentarian Do?

The position was created in 1935 to ensure order and give guidance on Senate rules. Though the advice is not binding, it’s usually followed.

In reconciliation bills, the parliamentarian decides if each provision meets budget rules under the Byrd Rule. If something doesn’t, it must be removed — unless the presiding officer chooses to ignore the advice, which is rare.

Experts say MacDonough is respected on both sides. Michael Thorning from the Bipartisan Policy Center said she is “very much an honest broker,” adding, “Sometimes, those decisions cut your way, and sometimes, they don’t.”

MacDonough Has Faced Criticism Before

This isn’t the first time MacDonough has faced political heat. In 2021, she ruled against Democratic efforts to include a $15 minimum wage in a COVID relief bill. She also blocked a provision in a climate bill that would have let undocumented immigrants stay temporarily.

In 2017, she struck down several parts of the Republican plan to repeal Obamacare. However, she did allow the GOP to eliminate the ACA’s individual mandate tax penalty, which freed up billions for tax cuts.

Even those who disagree with her respect the role. Senator Kevin Cramer said, “It’s the institutional integrity, even if I’m convinced 100% she’s wrong.”

Who Is Elizabeth MacDonough?

MacDonough took a non-traditional path to the job. She studied English literature, worked in the Senate library, and later earned her law degree. MacDonough joined the parliamentarian’s office in 1999 and became the first woman to lead it in 2012, appointed by Democrat Harry Reid.

She has stayed through leadership changes, including Republican Mitch McConnell and now John Thune.

MacDonough played key roles during major Senate moments, including Trump’s impeachment trials. On January 6, 2021, during the Capitol riot, she and her team protected the Electoral College ballots so the certification could resume.

Can Her Rulings Be Overruled?

Technically, yes. The presiding officer of the Senate can ignore her advice, and senators can vote to accept or reject the decision. But that almost never happens. It’s seen as a threat to the Senate’s credibility.

In 2017, Senator Ted Cruz suggested Vice President Mike Pence could overrule MacDonough on Obamacare. But most Republicans rejected the idea, seeing it as too risky.

The last time a parliamentarian was fired was in 2001, when Senator Trent Lott dismissed Robert Dove after disputes over reconciliation.

A Warning from Experts

Experts warn against dismissing her lightly. Michael Thorning said, “Once you start treating the parliamentarian’s advice as just something that could be easily dismissed, then the rules start to matter less.”

Despite pressure, most lawmakers still recognize her office as essential to maintaining the Senate’s integrity — even when they disagree with her decisions.