Trump Extends Power With Narrow Victory On ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Trump scored a significant legislative victory as Congress narrowly passed his sweeping spending and tax-cut bill. The measure strengthens Trump’s political power but stirs concerns over rising deficits and cuts to social programs. GOP unity faces strains as Democrats plan to leverage backlash in 2026.
Trump Big Bill Quick Looks
- Congress passed Trump’s major tax-cut and spending bill.
- Trump used charm, gifts, and pressure to secure votes.
- Legislation boosts funds for deportations, cuts social benefits.
- Nonpartisan analysis predicts $3.4 trillion debt increase.
- Polls show 49% of Americans oppose the bill.
- GOP unity tested as some lawmakers retire post-vote.
Deep Look
Trump Expands Political Power With Narrow Victory On “Big, Beautiful” Spending Bill
WASHINGTON (Reuters) — President Donald Trump cemented his political dominance Thursday as Congress passed his flagship spending and tax-cut legislation, delivering the biggest legislative win of his second term and solidifying his influence over a divided Republican Party.
In a dramatic showdown on Capitol Hill, Trump blended flattery, threats, and personal outreach to secure passage of the bill, which he demanded be finalized by Independence Day. His relentless lobbying included private Oval Office meetings, golf course chats, branded gifts, and late-night phone calls.
“FOR REPUBLICANS, THIS SHOULD BE AN EASY YES VOTE,” Trump fumed on Truth Social as the bill teetered on the edge of failure Wednesday night.
Ultimately, the House of Representatives sent the legislation to Trump’s desk with only two Republican defectors, overcoming resistance and signaling that even wary GOP lawmakers remained reluctant to defy the president.
The measure channels billions of dollars into Trump’s domestic agenda, including expanded migrant deportations, while slashing health benefits and food assistance programs. Critics warn it will deepen income inequality and threaten vulnerable Americans.
“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,” said Lanhee Chen, a fellow at the Hoover Institution and a former Republican adviser.
A Costly Victory
Despite Trump’s triumph, the bill is politically perilous. Nonpartisan forecasters estimate it will add $3.4 trillion to the nation’s already staggering $36.2 trillion debt, sparking concern among budget hawks, bond markets, and even some Republican legislators.
Polling reflects public skepticism. A Pew Research Center survey found 49% of Americans oppose the bill, with only 29% in favor. Many respondents fear it will benefit the wealthy while harming lower-income families and widening the budget deficit.
The White House rejected the polling, insisting that internal data showed strong support for individual provisions of the bill nationwide.
A Party Under Strain
Trump’s assertive tactics have exacerbated fractures within the GOP. Some lawmakers remain uneasy over the bill’s potential political fallout, particularly in swing districts vulnerable in the 2026 midterms. Deep cuts to Medicaid and food assistance loom as potential flashpoints.
Hyma Moore, a Democratic strategist, predicted Trump personally would escape significant political damage, as he’s already a lame-duck president.
“He’s a lame duck, there’s not much of a price he can pay at this point,” Moore said. “Next step is more GOP in-fighting as the primaries shape up.”
Two prominent Republicans, Representative Don Bacon of Nebraska and Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina, announced retirements shortly after clashing with Trump over the bill, opening potential opportunities for Democratic gains.
Trump’s Hands-On Approach
Trump played an unusually direct role in crafting the bill, a senior White House official confirmed. Working closely with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the president pored over legislative details and spent hours on late-night calls with lawmakers, pushing them to support the measure.
His victory, though controversial, underscores how Trump has reshaped the presidency, bending longstanding institutions to his will. From the Supreme Court to media outlets, Trump has steadily pushed boundaries, and with this legislative triumph, Congress has joined the list of institutions yielding to his authority.
As the country heads into another contentious election cycle, Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” stands as both a testament to his political strength—and a potential liability for Republicans facing voters next year.
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