US President Donald Trump lashed out at House Republicans on Wednesday after his much-hyped tax bill, which he previously hailed as the “biggest tax cut in history,” stalled during a key procedural vote in the House of Representatives.
On Truth Social, Trump accused dissenting Republicans of jeopardizing not only the bill but also their own political future by defying the MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement.
“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!!!” Trump posted.
The House GOP needed near-unanimous support to move the bill forward. However, five Republican lawmakers joined Democrats in opposing the motion, causing the bill to stall. The party could afford to lose only three votes.
Who Voted Against Trump’s Tax Bill?
The five Republicans who broke ranks with their party were:
- Andrew Clyde (Georgia) – Objected to the removal of a gun rights provision that would have eliminated the registration fee for firearm silencers.
- Victoria Spartz (Indiana) – A fiscal hawk, Spartz opposed the procedural motion but has signaled she may support the bill in a final vote.
- Keith Self (Texas) – Member of the conservative Freedom Caucus, Self backs the broader tax framework but resisted this version of the bill.
- Brian Fitzpatrick (Pennsylvania) – A centrist, Fitzpatrick has consistently pushed back against repealing parts of the Affordable Care Act.
- Thomas Massie (Kentucky) – A staunch libertarian, Massie has opposed Trump’s tax agenda throughout the summer and remains firm in his stance.
Trump Sets July 4 Deadline
Trump, who continues to be the dominant figure in the Republican Party and is the frontrunner for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination, has reportedly set a July 4 deadline for the bill to be signed. The tax proposal is a central part of his economic pitch, which he claims will revive the US economy and bring “booming” growth.
The internal dissent comes at a critical time as Republicans attempt to unify behind Trump’s economic agenda ahead of the 2024 elections. Whether the party can realign in time to push the bill through remains to be seen.