Updated May 20, 2025 at 10:16 PM EDT
In a bid to rally support for a comprehensive legislative package, President Trump visited Capitol Hill on Tuesday, aiming to sway hesitant Republican lawmakers. The proposed bill, which encapsulates a significant portion of the GOP’s legislative goals, faces a looming deadline for a vote set by House Speaker Mike Johnson.
Despite ongoing divisions within his party, Trump expressed confidence in the party’s unity, stating, “This is really just a pep talk. We have a very unified House, and we have a very unified Senate. I don’t think the Republican Party has ever been so unified.”
The ambitious bill aims to implement tax and spending cuts, deregulation, and increased border security funding. However, these objectives have highlighted disagreements among Republicans, threatening to impede progress.
The party’s leadership is focused on persuading two key factions:
- Fiscal conservatives advocating for deficit reduction
- Republicans from states with high taxes seeking adjustments to the state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap
Additionally, some lawmakers are concerned about maintaining Medicaid access, a federal program for individuals with disabilities and low-income adults. During the meeting, Trump emphasized the need for unity, with South Dakota Rep. Dusty Johnson noting, “The president made an incredibly convincing case. He was as passionate on those policy issues as I’ve seen him. He was emphatic — we need to quit screwing around.”
Johnson mentioned that “98%” of the conference supports the bill, though some resistance remains. Trump reportedly advised against altering the SALT deduction cap, a contentious issue among party members.
New York Rep. Mike Lawler, a proponent of modifying the SALT cap, remains steadfast. “While I respect the president, I’m not budging on it,” he stated, citing its importance to his district.
Tennessee Rep. Tim Burchett, part of the Freedom Caucus, described the meeting as “positive and uplifting,” though he remains skeptical about the bill’s prospects. “It’s like an NBA ball game, wait til the last two minutes and watch it — and we’re about at two minutes and 30 seconds right now,” Burchett remarked, expressing confidence in Trump’s ability to deliver results.
Trump has publicly criticized Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie, an opponent of the bill, suggesting he “should be voted out of office.”
Pressure from Pennsylvania Avenue
House leaders have commended Trump’s involvement in the legislative process. “Every step of the way, when there were questions, when there were final decisions that had to be made, [President Trump] was always one phone call away,” said House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La.
Trump’s proposed tax cuts, including exemptions on tips, overtime, and Social Security, have increased the bill’s cost. However, he has not provided detailed plans on funding these initiatives.
Trump’s persuasive skills have been highlighted by former aides, who describe him as the “ultimate closer.” Nonetheless, skepticism remains among the House Freedom Caucus, focused on achieving substantial deficit reduction.
Despite a recent budget committee vote setback, GOP leaders negotiated over the weekend, leading to the bill’s advancement with initial holdouts voting “present.” Texas Rep. Chip Roy tweeted his decision to vote present was “out of respect for the Republican Conference and the President to move the bill forward.”
While the Freedom Caucus has secured concessions, including accelerated Medicaid work requirements, concerns persist about potential coverage impacts for over 8.6 million enrollees. The SALT cap debate further divides party lines.
NPR’s Elena Moore contributed to this report.
Copyright 2025 NPR
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