Trump meets Republican hard-liners on tax bill as he scrambles to secure enough support for his sweeping tax and spending legislation. The bill, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, is facing resistance from within the Republican Party.
On Wednesday, Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson met with members of the House Freedom Caucus at the White House. These lawmakers oppose the bill, demanding deeper spending cuts before they can support it. The group’s resistance threatens the bill’s chances in the closely divided House.
Trump’s priorities are central to the proposal. He wants to extend the 2017 tax cuts, scrap taxes on tips, increase defense spending, and boost border security. However, the Congressional Budget Office estimates the bill would add $2.3 trillion to the national debt over ten years.
Republicans have only a slim majority, and Democrats remain united in opposition. Trump can’t afford many defections from his party. With just 10 days left before the Memorial Day deadline, pressure is building.
After overnight negotiations, Speaker Johnson said a House vote could happen Wednesday night or Thursday morning. Still, disagreements remain between GOP factions. Fiscal conservatives want deeper cuts, while Republicans from blue states want more tax relief for their voters.
Trump and Johnson are now trying to balance both demands. Some lawmakers, like Representative Thomas Massie, criticized the rushed process. He warned that major provisions were still being written hours before the expected vote.
On Tuesday, Trump also visited Capitol Hill. He urged Republicans to accept the bill and not let perfect be the enemy of good. But it remains unclear if he successfully shifted any votes.
Democrats argue the bill favors the wealthy while burdening lower-income Americans. A CBO report supports this view, stating it would help the top 10% of earners. Trump and his team argue that tax cuts will spur economic growth and that tariffs will generate extra revenue.
Still, economists largely agree with the CBO: the bill will increase the national debt. Critics call the bill fiscally irresponsible, especially with a current deficit of $36.2 trillion.
Supporters, however, say failure is not an option. Republican Jason Smith stressed the need to move forward quickly. Yet without near-unanimous GOP backing, the bill’s path remains uncertain.
Even if it passes the House, the Senate will likely revise the measure. Any final version must reconcile both chambers before reaching the president’s desk.
Trump meets Republican hard-liners on tax bill at a critical time, with party unity on the line and national debt concerns rising.
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