Trump Pressures Senate to Pass $4.5 Trillion Tax Bill by July 4

3 Jun at 2:00 pm

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Trump Pressures Senate to Pass $4.5 Trillion Tax Bill by July 4/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump is urging Senate Republicans to fast-track his massive tax and spending package by July 4. The legislation includes deep spending cuts and major tax breaks, sparking fierce resistance from Democrats and internal GOP debate. Senators now face a tight deadline amid warnings from the Treasury that the U.S. could default by August without raising the debt ceiling.

As Senate Republicans work to advance President Donald Trump’s spending and tax bill, Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., who is opposed to the reconciliation package because of the debt-limit increase, does a TV news interview at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, June 3, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Trump’s July 4 Push: Quick Looks

Target Deadline: Trump wants his $4.5 trillion tax and spending package signed by Independence Day.
Senate Gridlock: GOP senators clash over Medicaid, SNAP, and debt ceiling provisions in the House-passed bill.
Massive Package: Extends Trump-era tax cuts, adds new tax breaks, boosts border and national security funding.
Democrats’ Response: Senate Dems call it “cruel,” slamming cuts to healthcare and aid for the poor.
Treasury Warning: U.S. risks default by August if debt ceiling isn’t lifted, says Secretary Scott Bessent.
Trump’s Tone Shifts: President lashes out at GOP holdouts like Sen. Rand Paul.
Senate Tweaks Ahead: Lawmakers eye changes to SALT cap, Medicaid cuts, and new tax breaks to secure votes.

Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, questions Education Secretary Linda McMahon during a Senate Appropriations hearing, Tuesday, June 3, 2025, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Deep Look

Trump’s “Big, Beautiful” Tax Bill Races Against Clock

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump is pressing the Senate to act swiftly on his sprawling tax and spending legislation, aiming to have it signed by July 4 in a symbolic show of economic revival and political strength. But despite House passage by a single vote, the 1,000-page-plus package now faces heavy scrutiny, intra-party disagreements, and staunch Democratic opposition in the Senate.

“Passing THE ONE, BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL is a Historic Opportunity to turn our Country around,” Trump declared on social media, urging senators to act “as fast as they can.”

GOP Divided on Core Issues

The Senate’s 53-seat Republican majority gives Majority Leader John Thune little margin for error. While Trump is personally calling senators and holding private talks, key lawmakers have expressed concern over the bill’s controversial provisions, including:

$4.5 trillion in tax cuts, mainly for corporations and higher earners
Strict work requirements for Medicaid and SNAP, which could cut healthcare for 8.6 million and food aid for 4 million Americans
$350 billion for border security and deportations
A $4 trillion debt ceiling hike to avoid government default

Democrats Sound the Alarm

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer didn’t mince words, calling the bill a “lie” and accusing Republicans of hiding harsh realities behind patriotic slogans.

“Behind the smoke and mirrors lies a cruel and draconian truth: tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy paid for by gutting health care for millions,” Schumer said.

Treasury Urgency: Default Looms Without Action

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has warned that the federal government may run out of money to pay its bills as early as mid-July unless the debt ceiling is raised. Despite GOP infighting, lifting the borrowing limit is non-negotiable, Thune confirmed.

“It’s got to be done,” said the South Dakota Republican. “Failure’s not an option.”

Trump Escalates Pressure on GOP Holdouts

While Trump initially used private calls and flattery, he has shifted to publicly attacking dissenting Republicans. On Tuesday, he blasted Sen. Rand Paul as a “loser” for opposing the debt ceiling increase in the package.

“Rand votes NO on everything but never has any constructive ideas. His ideas are actually crazy,” Trump wrote online.

Key Areas of Senate Concern

As the Senate continues closed-door negotiations, several sticking points have emerged:

Medicaid Cuts: Senators like Josh Hawley, Susan Collins, and Lisa Murkowski are pushing back on the proposed copay and provider tax elimination.
SALT Deduction Cap: Adjustments to the House’s $40,000 cap are under discussion to satisfy senators from high-tax states.
New Tax Breaks: The Senate may revise or eliminate House-proposed cuts for auto loans and overtime pay.
Spectrum Auction Provision: Some senators oppose the proposal to auction bandwidth, calling it poorly vetted.

Political Stakes and Leadership Test

The bill is also a proving ground for John Thune, who, like Speaker Mike Johnson, is navigating a delicate balance of loyalty to Trump and leadership of a fractured GOP. While Johnson wants minimal changes to preserve House support, Thune faces pressure to adapt the bill to secure Senate passage.

“We’ll figure out the path forward,” Thune said Tuesday. “But we have to succeed.”

The Clock is Ticking

With July 4th as both a political and fiscal deadline, pressure is building. Beyond symbolism, failing to raise the debt ceiling could spark a financial crisis. For Trump, it’s about delivering legislative victory; for Senate Republicans, it’s about surviving the fallout.