Trump Faces Internal Party Resistance Over Tax Cut Plan

• Trump Faces Party Resistance
• Conservative Resistance to Fiscal Plan
• Debate Over Medicaid Cuts

U.S. President Donald Trump failed on Tuesday to secure full support within his own party for his controversial tax and budget cut plan—one of the key priorities of his legislative agenda.

Trump met with House Republican leader Mike Johnson and other congressional members in an effort to overcome internal obstacles that have stalled the proposal.

Despite his involvement, the plan was once again blocked by a number of lawmakers who oppose its content.

The president described the meeting as a “great gathering” and a moment of “unity and love.”

Donald Trump Fails to Gain Republican Support

Five Republicans derail the Fiscal Cuts Plan and President Trump’s expenditure

Details https://t.co/y5yx6mx46o pic.twitter.com/odhwdv7qxr

– To the point (@alpunto) May 16, 2025

? Five Republicans derail President Trump’s tax and spending cut plan
Details ? https://t.co/Y5yx6mx46O
pic.twitter.com/oDhwDv7QXr
— Al Punto (@AlPunto) May 16, 2025

However, he surprised many by stating that he would consider any Republican who didn’t support his tax cut proposal “a fool.”

Several members of the Republican Party’s conservative wing have expressed resistance to the bill, particularly those who feel it does not sufficiently limit federal spending.

Texas Congressman Chip Roy was one of the lawmakers who blocked the proposal last week.

In a message on social media, Roy said that while he supports Trump’s broader agenda, the bill “isn’t where it needs to be” and still has room for improvement.

Internal Republican Party Resistance

Kentucky Representative Thomas Massie reiterated his opposition, stating he has no intention of changing his “no” vote.

New York Representative Mike Lawler also opposed the bill, saying it falls short of expectations—though he expressed willingness to continue the conversation.

One of the sticking points within the party revolves around tax policy.

Lawler and several other lawmakers are pushing for an increase in the cap on state and local tax (SALT) deductions, complicating negotiations further.

What Did Andy Biggs Say?

The party’s most conservative faction, represented by the Freedom Caucus, is also against the tax cut proposal, arguing it doesn’t go far enough in cutting federal spending.

Congressman Andy Biggs remarked that there are “plenty of areas” within the government where spending could be slashed, further deepening internal divisions.

The debate has also touched on Medicaid coverage, raising tensions between centrist and conservative factions of the party.

Trump attempted to ease concerns, stating that Medicaid cuts would only affect “immigrants with multiple offenses,” not American workers.

Lawmakers are racing against the clock to pass the bill before Memorial Day on May 26.

If the proposal fails to garner enough Republican support, Trump may face difficulties advancing it to the Senate—despite Republican control there as well.

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