President-elect Donald Trump instructed congressional Republicans on Sunday to advance a “single formidable” MAGA bill that will push through his most contentious policies from taxes to immigration.
“Republicans need to come together and swiftly achieve these Landmark Victories for the American Public. Be astute and tough, and send the Bill to my desk for my signature as soon as you can,” he stated in an evening post on his Truth Social platform. “MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
Trump has committed to implementing a harsh immigration enforcement strategy that could result in the deportation of millions, terminating green energy initiatives to facilitate increased oil and gas extraction, and prolonging tax cuts from his first term that mainly favor the wealthy.
He reiterated his assertion that he would fund these initiatives through tariffs on foreign imports, which analysts warn could exacerbate inflation for U.S. consumers.
“Congressional members are beginning to work on a powerful Bill that will restore our Country and elevate it like never before,” Trump stated. “We need to Secure our Border, Unleash American Energy, and Renew the Trump Tax Cuts, which were the largest in History, and enhance it even further-NO TAX ON TIPS,” he mentioned, alluding to the ambitious agenda he anticipates congressional Republicans to promptly implement, which includes a pledge to eliminate income tax on tips for service workers.
“IT WILL ALL BE OFFSET WITH TARIFFS, AND A GREAT DEAL MORE, FROM NATIONS THAT HAVE TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF THE U.S. FOR YEARS,” Trump emphasized.
House Leader Mike Johnson (R-LA) informed Fox News earlier on Sunday that, despite having a very slim majority in the House, he intends to pass the extensive legislation by early April and have it on Trump’s desk by Memorial Day.
While Johnson has reconciled with what he refers to as Trump’s vision of a “big, beautiful bill,” other Republicans in Congress have shown hesitance toward the one-bill strategy.
The conservative House Freedom Caucus indicated its disapproval of a singular large policy bill last month by sending a letter to Johnson requesting one bill focused on border security and a “larger reconciliation bill dealing with taxes, spending, energy, bureaucracy, and more.”
In the House, where the GOP holds the narrowest majority in almost a century, just one or two Republicans defecting could significantly threaten a bill’s chances. In fact, Trump’s direct involvement was necessary last week to secure Johnson’s reelection as speaker after Reps. Ralph Norman (R-SC) and Keith Self (R-TX) initially opposed him.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) seemed to voice doubts on Sunday regarding Trump’s ambitions, particularly his ability to enforce his strict immigration policies. “Is it feasible to deport everyone?” he questioned during a segment on Meet the Press, “I mean, there are a significant number of individuals in this country who are here without legal status.”
Thune’s comments appeared to indicate a belief that the incoming administration might need to consider a more gradual approach to its primary policy goals.
