Five Republican lawmakers voted against former President Donald Trump’s tax bill, joining every Democrat in rejecting the legislation. Trump had promoted the bill as a “big, beautiful” solution, but it faced strong opposition in Congress on Friday. Lawmakers against the bill demanded deeper budget cuts before supporting it. This vote marked a setback for Trump’s domestic agenda after earlier legislative successes.
Trump responded to the opposition by calling for unity within the Republican Party through a message on his social media platform, urging members to stop grandstanding and pass the bill immediately.
The Republican Party remains divided over the bill. Some hardliners want broader spending cuts, especially to Medicaid, while others are concerned about the impact of those cuts on voters who rely on healthcare programs. The five Republicans who opposed the bill insisted they would not change their votes unless Medicaid cuts were increased and all green energy incentives added by Democrats were removed. These incentives have caused disagreement within the party.
One lawmaker criticized the bill for not addressing the national deficit properly. The bill would continue tax cuts introduced during Trump’s first term, including exempting tips from taxation—a provision Trump often highlights. However, critics say the bill mainly benefits wealthy individuals and large corporations.
Democrats remain strongly against the bill, demanding that Medicaid cuts and reductions to the Affordable Care Act be reversed. They warned that millions of Americans could lose health coverage if the bill becomes law.
The Joint Committee on Taxation estimates that the proposed tax changes would cost $3.72 trillion over ten years. This large cost has raised concerns about long-term fiscal responsibility among lawmakers.
The bill’s future depends on whether Republican leaders can unify the party and address concerns about Medicaid and green energy policies. Trump’s demand for unity shows he will continue pushing for its passage. This fight reveals ongoing divisions within the Republican Party over how to manage spending cuts while meeting voter needs.