US President Donald Trump has issued a blunt warning to Republicans in Congress , expressing frustration over delays in passing his sweeping tax and spending legislation.
Posting on Truth Social early Thursday, Trump wrote: “Largest Tax Cuts in History and a Booming Economy vs. Biggest Tax Increase in History, and a Failed Economy. What are the Republicans waiting for??? What are you trying to prove??? MAGA is not happy, and it's costing you votes!!!”
Trump’s outburst came as Republican leaders in the House of Representatives struggled to rally enough support for a procedural vote needed to move the bill forward.
Later, in a separate post, he urged Republicans to support the bill. "For Republicans, this should be an easy yes vote. Ridiculous!!!", he wrote.
As per news agency AFP, House Speaker Mike Johnson kept the vote open for hours, desperately negotiating with holdouts behind the scenes. The bill had already passed the Senate by a single vote but must now return to the House for final approval due to changes made in the upper chamber.
Nicknamed the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” Trump’s legislative package combines tax cuts with increased defence spending and billions set aside for mass deportation efforts. It also includes the largest reduction in Medicaid since the programme's inception in the 1960s and adds an estimated $3.4 trillion to the national deficit over a decade.
Some House Republicans remain deeply divided. Fiscal conservatives object to the rising debt, while moderates fear the cuts could hurt their re-election chances, particularly with an estimated 17 million people at risk of losing health coverage and rural hospitals facing possible closure.
Despite mounting tensions, Speaker Johnson has stayed optimistic, telling reporters, “We’re going to get there tonight. We’re working on it and very, very positive about our progress,” according to Politico.
Trump, meanwhile, has taken a hands-on approach. According to CNN, he and Vice President JD Vance have held several meetings at the White House with sceptical Republicans. In a session aimed at centrist lawmakers, Trump’s tone was described as “cordial,” and Dr Mehmet Oz, now overseeing Medicaid, was brought in to explain how the bill’s provisions would affect healthcare in members’ districts.
As per CNN, Rep Dusty Johnson of South Dakota said after one such meeting that members were indeed shifting their stance, “Those meetings are having a big impact, members are moving to yes.”
But some conservatives remain unmoved. Texas Republican Chip Roy, a key member of the Freedom Caucus, criticised the Senate’s version, saying, “We need more spending restraint.” His colleague, Rep. Andy Harris, outright refused to attend the White House talks, stating, “I’m still voting no on the rule. We have to get this thing right.”
Trump’s allies believe passing the bill by his self-imposed July 4 deadline would solidify his second-term legacy, with promises such as no taxes on tips or overtime pay and work requirements for welfare recipients.
However, delays caused by GOP infighting, flight disruptions, and rule vote resistance have made it difficult to stick to the timeline.
The House Rules Committee did clear an early hurdle by advancing the bill late Tuesday, but prominent conservatives on the panel, including Reps. Ralph Norman and Chip Roy, voted with Democrats to oppose the measure.
The stakes are high. House Republicans can only afford to lose three votes if all members are present.
Posting on Truth Social early Thursday, Trump wrote: “Largest Tax Cuts in History and a Booming Economy vs. Biggest Tax Increase in History, and a Failed Economy. What are the Republicans waiting for??? What are you trying to prove??? MAGA is not happy, and it's costing you votes!!!”
Trump’s outburst came as Republican leaders in the House of Representatives struggled to rally enough support for a procedural vote needed to move the bill forward.
Later, in a separate post, he urged Republicans to support the bill. "For Republicans, this should be an easy yes vote. Ridiculous!!!", he wrote.
As per news agency AFP, House Speaker Mike Johnson kept the vote open for hours, desperately negotiating with holdouts behind the scenes. The bill had already passed the Senate by a single vote but must now return to the House for final approval due to changes made in the upper chamber.
Nicknamed the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” Trump’s legislative package combines tax cuts with increased defence spending and billions set aside for mass deportation efforts. It also includes the largest reduction in Medicaid since the programme's inception in the 1960s and adds an estimated $3.4 trillion to the national deficit over a decade.
Some House Republicans remain deeply divided. Fiscal conservatives object to the rising debt, while moderates fear the cuts could hurt their re-election chances, particularly with an estimated 17 million people at risk of losing health coverage and rural hospitals facing possible closure.
Despite mounting tensions, Speaker Johnson has stayed optimistic, telling reporters, “We’re going to get there tonight. We’re working on it and very, very positive about our progress,” according to Politico.
Trump, meanwhile, has taken a hands-on approach. According to CNN, he and Vice President JD Vance have held several meetings at the White House with sceptical Republicans. In a session aimed at centrist lawmakers, Trump’s tone was described as “cordial,” and Dr Mehmet Oz, now overseeing Medicaid, was brought in to explain how the bill’s provisions would affect healthcare in members’ districts.
As per CNN, Rep Dusty Johnson of South Dakota said after one such meeting that members were indeed shifting their stance, “Those meetings are having a big impact, members are moving to yes.”
But some conservatives remain unmoved. Texas Republican Chip Roy, a key member of the Freedom Caucus, criticised the Senate’s version, saying, “We need more spending restraint.” His colleague, Rep. Andy Harris, outright refused to attend the White House talks, stating, “I’m still voting no on the rule. We have to get this thing right.”
Trump’s allies believe passing the bill by his self-imposed July 4 deadline would solidify his second-term legacy, with promises such as no taxes on tips or overtime pay and work requirements for welfare recipients.
However, delays caused by GOP infighting, flight disruptions, and rule vote resistance have made it difficult to stick to the timeline.
The House Rules Committee did clear an early hurdle by advancing the bill late Tuesday, but prominent conservatives on the panel, including Reps. Ralph Norman and Chip Roy, voted with Democrats to oppose the measure.
The stakes are high. House Republicans can only afford to lose three votes if all members are present.
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