President Donald Trump has achieved a significant legislative victory with the passage of his policy bill in the US House of Representatives. The bill, which includes tax cuts and spending measures, passed with only two Republican defections, showcasing Trump’s influence over his party. Trump played a crucial role in securing the bill’s passage, using a combination of charm and pressure to convince lawmakers to support it.
The bill’s passage marks a major milestone for Trump’s presidency, demonstrating his ability to drive his agenda forward despite opposition. Trump took to social media to express his frustration with Republican holdouts, posting “What are the Republicans waiting for??? What are you trying to prove??? MAGA IS NOT HAPPY, AND IT’S COSTING YOU VOTES!!!” at midnight, hours before the bill’s passage.
Trump’s grip on his party is evident, with many Republicans falling in line behind him. According to Asa Hutchinson, former Arkansas governor, “He’s getting his agenda passed to a greater extent than he did his first term. He has better control over the apparatus.” Trump’s influence extends beyond Congress, with his recent Supreme Court decision and strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites bolstering his authority.
Despite the bill’s passage, Trump faces challenges in selling it to the American public. Polling shows broad skepticism toward the bill, which makes it crucial for Trump to shift public perception in the coming months. The bill’s strategic sequencing, which enacts tax cuts immediately but delays changes to Medicaid and food assistance programs until after next year’s midterm elections, may help Trump build support.
The bill’s passage will likely form a significant part of Trump’s domestic legacy. However, Democrats are already planning to tie Trump and Republicans to the bill’s changes to Medicaid, highlighting individual cases of Americans deprived of care. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries delivered a marathon speech on the House floor, criticizing the bill and warning of its potential consequences.
Trump is expected to sign the bill in a ceremony at the White House, accompanied by a flyover of B-2 bombers that dropped bunker-buster bombs on Iranian nuclear facilities last month. The event will underscore Trump’s growing power and influence, both domestically and internationally. As Trump navigates the complexities of his second term, his ability to shape public opinion and drive his agenda forward will be closely watched.
