ISLAMABAD (PEN) : In a decisive political triumph, U.S. President Donald Trump secured a significant legislative win as the House of Representatives passed his comprehensive tax-cut and spending bill. The measure now heads to the president for his signature ahead of Friday’s Independence Day deadline.
Landmark Legislation Boosts Trump’s Agenda
The newly approved bill is expected to inject billions of dollars into Trump’s domestic agenda, expanding his authority to accelerate migrant deportations, implement tax cuts, and scale back health and food assistance programs. This legislation marks the most substantial achievement of Trump’s second term, underscoring his dominance over Congress during the first five months of his presidency.
According to Lanhee Chen, Hoover Institution fellow and former adviser to Republicans Mitt Romney and Marco Rubio, “There’s no question that it’s a capstone to what has been a very strong last few weeks for President Trump.”
Overcoming Challenges Within and Beyond Congress
Despite skepticism from some Republicans concerned about rising debt and potential backlash from constituents, lawmakers ultimately prioritized party unity. The bill’s passage came amid warnings from nonpartisan forecasters that it will add $3.4 trillion to the national debt, currently at $36.2 trillion. Many Republicans argue these predictions overlook economic growth stimulated by business tax cuts.
Polling by the Pew Research Center reveals that 49% of Americans oppose the legislation, with only 29% in favor. Concerns largely focus on increasing the budget deficit and disproportionately benefiting the wealthy while harming lower-income groups. The White House, however, disputes these findings, citing internal polls that indicate strong support for specific provisions.
Republican Voter Sentiment and Political Implications
A Reuters/Ipsos poll from June highlights that 64% of Republican voters favor a strong president capable of ruling with minimal interference from Congress or the courts, compared to just 13% of Democrats sharing that view.
Chen noted, “It’s the rare piece of legislation that can both at the same time be a big victory for one side but also present some political traps for that same victorious side.”
Trump’s Hands-On Approach
In the days leading to the vote, Trump personally engaged with Republican lawmakers, hosting meetings at the White House and his Sterling, Virginia golf course. He distributed branded merchandise and urged party members to avoid handing Democrats a political victory. As the bill faced hurdles, Trump took to Truth Social, posting, “FOR REPUBLICANS, THIS SHOULD BE AN EASY YES VOTE,” expressing frustration at the procedural delays.
A senior White House official described Trump’s intense involvement in the bill’s development, highlighting late-night calls with congressional members and detailed reviews alongside Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Future Political Landscape
Only two House Republicans opposed the bill, joining Democrats in voting against it. Democratic strategist Hyma Moore anticipates that Trump will face minimal political fallout due to his term-limited status, but Republicans running in vulnerable districts could confront challenges during the 2026 midterms. Already, Representatives Don Bacon (Nebraska) and Senator Thom Tillis (North Carolina) have announced retirements following disputes with Trump, potentially easing Democratic gains.
Moore said, “He’s a lame duck, there’s not much of a price he can pay at this point. Next step is more GOP in-fighting as the primaries shape up.”
This landmark bill empowers Trump to continue governing with considerable latitude as Republican lawmakers prepare for upcoming electoral battles.
