Trump solidifies GOP control with controversial budget bill

The passage of the "Big Beautiful Bill" on Thursday cemented former President Donald Trump's dominance over the Republican Party. Despite internal dissent, Trump managed to rally his party behind the sweeping legislation, which is projected to add trillions to the national debt while implementing deep cuts to Medicaid and other safety net programs. The bill also funds long-term tax cuts for the wealthy, escalates deportations, and increases defense spending.

A test of power

The narrow approval of the bill—218 to 214 in the House and a tie-breaking vote in the Senate by Vice President J.D. Vance—highlighted the extent of Trump’s influence. Only a handful of Republicans defied him, including Senators Susan Collins, Rand Paul, and Thom Tillis, and Representatives Thomas Massie and Brian Fitzpatrick. Many lawmakers reversed previous commitments to fiscal responsibility or safeguarding Medicaid, bowing to Trump’s pressure.

Republican pollster Whit Ayres described Trump’s grip on the GOP as nearly unparalleled in modern political history. "It gives him the support of his own legislative caucus for almost anything he wants to do," Ayres said.

Political risks and public skepticism

The bill faces widespread public disapproval. A Quinnipiac University poll found only 29% of voters support it, while 55% oppose it. Critics warn that the combination of soaring deficits and cuts to essential programs like Medicaid could ignite significant political backlash, potentially boosting Democratic chances in the 2026 midterms.

Even some GOP lawmakers expressed concerns. Senator Thom Tillis, who opposed the bill, called the Medicaid cuts "devastating" for his state and announced he would not seek reelection. Representative Thomas Massie criticized the bill for exacerbating inflation and high interest rates, warning it will harm Americans economically.

A celebratory signing

Trump plans to sign the bill on Friday in a highly symbolic ceremony during a Fourth of July event at the White House. “We’ll be signing with those beautiful planes flying right over our heads,” Trump remarked aboard Air Force One. The event will feature a flyover by B-2 bombers, underscoring the administration’s emphasis on military strength.

Long-term implications

The bill’s passage paves the way for Trump to pursue aggressive policy moves, including pressuring Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell to lower interest rates, reshaping trade policy, and enacting stricter immigration measures. However, the political and economic fallout from the legislation could test the durability of Trump’s power in the months ahead.