Trump Urges GOP Unity, Downplays SALT, Medicaid Fears/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Trump urged House Republicans to support his sweeping tax and spending bill, warning holdouts not to obstruct progress over SALT deductions or Medicaid concerns. He stressed unity and dismissed internal GOP divisions. Some conservative lawmakers remain unconvinced.
Trump’s Tax Push Quick Looks
- Trump urges GOP not to block agenda over SALT disputes.
- Warns lawmakers: “Don’t mess around” with Medicaid.
- Trump says party is “tremendously unified” despite disagreements.
- Pushes for swift passage of his “One Big Beautiful Bill.”
- Bill includes historic tax cuts and spending reshuffles.
- SALT caucus, Freedom Caucus remain key holdout factions.
- Conservatives demand more time and stricter Medicaid work rules.
- Trump dismisses deficit concerns, says only “waste” is cut.
- Rep. Massie calls White House deficit claim “a joke.”
- Some Republicans still undecided ahead of House floor vote.
Deep Look: Trump Presses GOP for Unity on Agenda, Downplays SALT, Medicaid Disputes
WASHINGTON, D.C. — May 21, 2025 — President Donald Trump delivered a forceful message to House Republicans on Tuesday morning: get behind his agenda and stop letting internal disagreements over state and local tax (SALT) deductions and Medicaid block the path forward.
During a closed-door session with GOP lawmakers on Capitol Hill, Trump made clear he’s losing patience with both the SALT Caucus, comprised of Republicans from high-tax states, and the House Freedom Caucus, who oppose provisions in his sweeping tax and spending bill.
“The president is clear: he wants EVERY Republican to vote yes,” a senior White House official said following the meeting.
Publicly, Trump was more measured, telling reporters the gathering was “a meeting of love,” though he made clear that “we need to quit screwing around.”
Tensions Over SALT, Medicaid Surface
- SALT Deductions: Lawmakers from states like New York and California are fighting to repeal the $10,000 cap on state and local tax deductions from Trump’s 2017 tax reform.
- Medicaid: Conservatives have pushed for work requirements, but Trump issued a stark warning during the meeting: “Don’t fk around”** with Medicaid, urging lawmakers not to propose deep cuts beyond addressing waste, fraud, and abuse.
“I’m from Colorado. I’m a SALT state. I get it. But President Trump is very firm on this bill passing,” said Rep. Lauren Boebert, who called the president “very serious” about keeping the bill intact.
Mixed Reactions From Republicans
Some lawmakers left the meeting energized, while others remain unconvinced.
- Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD), chair of the Freedom Caucus, said Trump “did not move the needle.”
- Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA) noted Trump’s ability to unify, but added he still needed time before making a decision.
- Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD) praised the president’s passion: “That is as animated as I’ve seen him on policy issues.”
Trump emphasized that “we’re not changing” Medicare, Medicaid, or Social Security, reiterating that cuts would focus only on inefficiencies, not benefits.
White House vs. Conservative Economists on Deficit
One of the most contentious issues remains the federal deficit. While the White House insists the bill “does not add to the deficit,” independent economists and GOP fiscal hawks strongly disagree.
“That’s a joke,” said Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), referring to the claim from White House Budget Director Russ Vought. “Under this bill, we’re adding $20 trillion to the debt over 10 years — $3.5 to $5 trillion more than we would otherwise.”
Internal GOP Divisions Persist
Despite Trump declaring the Republican Party “tremendously unified,” infighting continues over:
- SALT deduction thresholds
- Work requirements for Medicaid
- Impact on deficit and long-term debt
- Timing of the vote, which GOP leadership hopes to hold this week
Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN) remains undecided, expressing concern over both SALT expansions and what he called “insufficient” Medicaid work rules.
“I want to hear what the president has to say,” Burchett said.
What’s Next?
The bill—dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill” by Trump—includes:
- The largest tax cut in U.S. history
- Increases to the standard deduction and child tax credit
- Repeal or revision of green energy credits
- Stricter Medicaid eligibility standards (without cutting benefits)
- Additional border security and defense spending
Trump signaled that amendments would be considered but stressed the bill “will move forward.” The House is expected to vote later this week.
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