Trump Administration Live Updates: House Republicans Remain Divided After Meeting With President Over “One Big Beautiful Bill

 Trump Administration Live Updates: House Republicans Remain Divided After Meeting With President Over “One Big Beautiful Bill

May 20, 2025 — President Donald Trump met with House Republicans in a high-stakes closed-door session on Capitol Hill to push for unity around his sweeping legislative proposal dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” Despite his efforts, the Republican Party remains divided, with internal disagreements threatening the bill’s passage ahead of the Memorial Day recess.

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🏛️ What Is the “One Big Beautiful Bill”?

This ambitious package combines multiple conservative priorities:

• Tax reform: Extends the 2017 Trump tax cuts, expands the child tax credit to $2,500, and exempts tips and overtime from federal taxes.

• Border security: Allocates $70 billion for immigration enforcement, including $46.5 billion for wall construction.

• Medicaid and healthcare cuts: Introduces work requirements and limits benefits for undocumented immigrants.

• Education overhaul: Tightens Pell Grant eligibility, ends subsidized federal student loans, and introduces new workforce training grants.

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⚠️ Deep Republican Divisions

While many hardline conservatives are rallying behind the bill, moderate Republicans—especially from high-tax states like New York and New Jersey—are pushing back over the SALT (State and Local Tax) deduction cap, which the bill fails to lift.

Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) stated:

“I will not support any tax bill that doesn’t adequately address SALT. This is non-negotiable for my district.”

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), a known fiscal hawk, expressed concerns over continued spending:

“The president doesn’t want to talk about cutting expenses, and that’s a problem.”

These differences have left House Speaker Mike Johnson struggling to consolidate enough support within his own party to bring the bill to a floor vote.

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💬 Trump’s Warning to Dissenters

According to multiple reports from The Wall Street Journal, TIME, and AP News, Trump took a hardline tone in the meeting. He warned GOP lawmakers that voting against the bill could cost them politically, suggesting they could face primary challengers in upcoming elections.

“You’ll have someone running against you if you oppose this,” Trump reportedly said, as he turned directly to dissenting members during the session.

 

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📉 Why It Matters

This bill is more than just legislation—it’s a litmus test for Trump’s influence over the GOP heading into the 2026 midterms. If Republicans can’t unite behind this flagship policy, it signals potential cracks in party cohesion and Trump’s legislative power.

Despite Trump's signature rallying style, Republicans remain torn between loyalty to their districts and adherence to the former president's vision. With no Democrats expected to support the bill, every GOP vote counts.

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⏰ What’s Next?

• Further negotiations and amendments are expected over the coming days.

• GOP leadership hopes to bring the bill to the floor before Memorial Day weekend.

• If internal disagreements persist, the bill may face delays or fail to pass altogether.