Tensions flared on Capitol Hill late Wednesday as five House Republicans broke ranks and voted against advancing President Donald Trump’s flagship tax legislation, drawing a fiery response from the president himself, who declared, “MAGA IS NOT HAPPY.”
The legislation — dubbed by Trump as his “Big, Beautiful Bill” — aims to permanently extend the tax cuts implemented during his first term in office. While Trump and his allies have promoted the measure as essential to economic growth, critics argue it overwhelmingly benefits the wealthiest Americans at the expense of the most vulnerable.
To compensate for the trillions in lost federal revenue resulting from the extended tax breaks, the bill proposes sweeping cuts to Medicaid and food assistance programs. Budget projections estimate that these measures could strip health insurance from up to 17 million Americans and remove nearly five million people from food assistance rolls.
The political drama unfolded in a high-stakes vote as five GOP members, Reps. Thomas Massie (R-KY), Keith Self (R-TX), Andrew Clyde (R-GA), Victoria Spartz (R-IN), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) — defected and sided with Democrats, effectively halting the bill’s progress for now.
Just after midnight, an incensed Trump took to his Truth Social platform to vent his frustration with his party’s internal resistance.
“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 in all caps.
His public outburst came shortly after House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) appeared on Fox News’ Hannity and downplayed concerns over dissent within the GOP ranks. “We’re going to land this plane and deliver for the American people,” Johnson said confidently. “We’re absolutely confident we can get this done.”
The political backlash surrounding the bill is likely to deepen in the coming days as negotiations continue. Critics argue that the proposed social safety net cuts would devastate millions of low-income families, while supporters maintain that permanent tax reductions are essential for economic momentum.
Still, with Republican infighting now on public display and Trump openly warning of political consequences, the future of the bill remains uncertain, and the rift between MAGA loyalists and more cautious conservatives appears to be widening.