That was the word from President Donald Trump early Thursday, as he watched five Republicans defect on advancing his marquee "Big, Beautiful Bill," which permanently extends tax cuts implemented during his first term. Critics of the bill say the cuts disproportionately benefit the wealthiest Americans. To offset the trillions of dollars lost in tax revenue from the tax cut extensions, Republicans are eyeing major cuts to Medicaid and food assistance, which are projected to leave 17 million Americans without health insurance, and boot nearly five million off of food assistance.
In a dramatic showdown at Capitol Hill, five Republicans — Reps. Thomas Massie (R-KY), Keith Self (R-TX), Andrew Clyde (R-GA), Victoria Spartz (R-IN), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) — voted against advancing the bill, joining Democrats.
And Trump was not happy.
"Largest Tax Cuts in History and a Booming Economy vs. Biggest Tax Increase in History, and a Failed Economy. What are the Republicans waiting for??? What are you trying to prove??? MAGA IS NOT HAPPY, AND IT’S COSTING YOU VOTES!!!" he raged on his Truth Social platform just after midnight.
Just before Trump's post, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) declared he was “absolutely confident” Republicans would advance the sprawling megabill.
“We’re going to land this plane and deliver for the American people,” Johnson insisted on Fox News’ “Hannity," brushing aside concerns about GOP holdouts.
