US House Republicans have narrowly overcome internal division to move the president’s flagship legislation forward
US President Donald Trump has overcome internal Republican opposition to his sweeping spending bill, through all-caps public messages and private calls, during a key House session. Together with House speaker Mike Johnon, Trump secured a narrow win in a vote on Thursday, clearing the way for a final debate on the proposed legislation.
Dubbed the “big, beautiful bill” by the president, the legislation outlines key priorities for Trump’s second term. It extends tax cuts implemented during his first administration and allocates increased funding for military and border security. To offset a ballooning federal deficit, the bill also slashes funding for social programs such as Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
The 219–213 vote followed a tense overnight session and mirrored a similarly close Senate decision, which passed the bill by a single vote after extended debate on Tuesday. Trump has urged lawmakers to send the bill to his desk by Friday, coinciding with the Fourth of July holiday.
As GOP leadership worked to consolidate support, Trump took to his Truth Social, sharply criticizing dissenting lawmakers. “What are the Republicans waiting for??? What are you trying to prove??? MAGA IS NOT HAPPY, AND IT’S COSTING YOU VOTES!!!” he wrote. “THIS SHOULD BE AN EASY YES VOTE. RIDICULOUS!!!”
The bill had reportedly stalled amid opposition from fiscal conservatives who demanded deeper spending cuts and from swing-district Republicans worried about potential backlash from constituents. Trump reportedly spoke directly with several holdouts in the hours leading up to the vote.
In the final tally, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania was the only Republican to join Democrats in opposing the rule. Others who previously expressed doubts either voted in favor or abstained. Speaker Johnson denied that any deals had been done to secure support, stating that offering concessions would “open the Pandora’s box” and invite future gridlock. He added that lawmakers needed clarity on revisions made by the Senate.
The spending bill previously ruined Trump’s relationship with former ally and key donor Elon Musk, who criticized the measure for exacerbating the national debt. Shortly before the Senate approved the bill, Musk called it “insane” and again threatened to form a third political party.
Trump claims Musk’s opposition is motivated by fears of losing federal subsidies for his businesses such as electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla. In response he suggested the billionaire could face scrutiny from the Department of Government Efficiency, which Musk headed just a month ago. “DOGE is the monster that might have to go back and eat Elon,” Trump said.
