Trump’s Last-Minute Power Play: How the Dealmaker Got His Bill Passed
President Trump found himself in a classic political pickle. A handful of House Republicans weren’t thrilled about certain parts of his marquee tax-and-spending bill. But there was a catch: if Trump agreed to their demanded changes, the whole megabill would have to go back to the Senate — opening the door for more pushback and possible delays.
The solution? Good old-fashioned dealmaking, Trump style.
The Dealmaker Strikes Back
Known as the “dealmaker in chief,” Trump went into overdrive in the final stretch, pulling lawmakers into the White House for marathon meetings and making calls late into the night on Wednesday and Thursday. He knew the clock was ticking — the bill had to be on his desk before the July 4 holiday.
Here’s where it gets interesting: Trump didn’t just promise tweaks in the bill text. Instead, he offered to wield his executive authority to address conservative concerns. Lawmakers worried the bill didn’t cut enough spending or put enough limits on renewable energy incentives, especially for wind and solar.
So, Trump dangled the possibility of imposing new tariffs on wind turbine parts and slowing down permitting for renewable energy projects. This was his way of calming GOP critics upset that the Senate had given green energy projects extra time to qualify for tax credits.
Russ Vought, Trump’s White House budget chief, was part of the effort too, assuring lawmakers that the administration would use its power to rein in spending. This isn’t a small promise—Trump’s team claims he can refuse to spend money Congress allocates, though that stance will almost certainly face legal challenges.
Phone Calls, Texts, and a Little Bit of Threatening
Trump even personally called Rep. Thomas Massie from Kentucky, who had infuriated him by voting “no” on an earlier version of the bill. Massie stuck to his opposition Thursday but agreed to support a procedural motion to move the bill forward — partly because Trump agreed to tone down his public attacks, sources say.
When reporters asked Trump if he’d cut deals to get votes, he said, “Yeah, I think a few of them I did, but I think they would have gone yes anyway.” A senior administration official described the talks as “constructive” but didn’t spill all the details.
Trump’s strategy worked. The House passed the bill Thursday afternoon with just two Republicans voting against it—and only three GOP senators opposed it. This shows just how ironclad Trump’s control remains over the Republican Party.
Power Dynamics: Trump’s Grip Tightens
This wasn’t just a bill passing; it was a statement about Trump’s influence. “I think I have more power now,” Trump remarked, comparing his current role to his first term.
The result of all this horse-trading? House Republicans handed more authority to the executive branch, effectively trusting Trump to handle issues they once loudly complained about. Texas Rep. Chip Roy, who called the bill a “travesty,” nonetheless voted for it, saying, “We’ve got pretty good assurances out of the White House.”
A Victory Lap Before the Holiday
Trump heads into the Independence Day weekend with plenty to celebrate. His signature tax-and-spending bill is on track to become law, the latest jobs report beat expectations, and border crossings dropped to their lowest levels in decades.
He’s set to sign the legislation Friday at the White House during a picnic for military families. A B-2 stealth bomber—famous for the surprise U.S. attack on Iran’s nuclear sites—will fly over the event, adding a dramatic flourish to the holiday.
But It’s Not All Sunshine and Fireworks
Behind the scenes, multiple crises loom. There’s a July 9 deadline to negotiate trade deals, and political fallout from the bill’s provisions could haunt Trump.
Democrats wasted no time criticizing the legislation, painting it as a giveaway to the rich. Meanwhile, some Republicans privately fret that Medicaid cuts might hurt their constituents and backfire in next year’s midterms.
The push to pass the bill was driven by Trump’s obsession with getting it done before July 4, despite some lawmakers’ worries that they had more time before the debt ceiling deadline. Even Vice President J.D. Vance publicly admitted doubts that the timeline was realistic.
Behind Closed Doors: The White House Hustle
Trump’s final lobbying push kicked off at 5 a.m. Wednesday. The White House hosted a two-hour meeting with lawmakers, followed by a flood of calls late into the night. The vote on Capitol Hill dragged on for hours, showing how tense and uncertain things were behind the scenes.
“We had the president himself, we had the vice president, we had attorneys and agencies answering questions,” House Speaker Mike Johnson said, sipping an energy drink Thursday morning. Russ Vought personally came to the Capitol to talk spending with lawmakers.
Meanwhile, Trump used his social media megaphone, blasting a Truth Social post right after midnight: “What are the Republicans waiting for??? What are you trying to prove??? MAGA IS NOT HAPPY, AND IT’S COSTING YOU VOTES!!!”
He also singled out Rep. Massie publicly last month, threatening to back a primary challenger after Massie opposed the bill. But in a late-night call early Thursday, Trump eased tensions with Massie, though it’s unclear if he’ll back off his attacks. Massie declined to comment.
Democrats Fight Back — But Too Late
Democrats couldn’t stop the bill but tried to turn public opinion. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries held the floor for a record-breaking 8.5 hours, railing against the legislation.
The real test will come in the months ahead. Republicans say the bill blocks tax hikes, boosts border security, and cuts taxes for the middle class. Democrats argue it favors the wealthy, cuts healthcare, and drives up insurance premiums.
Some provisions popular with Trump’s base—like tax breaks on tips, overtime, and benefits for seniors—kick in immediately and retroactively. Cuts to Medicaid and nutrition programs are delayed. Senator Josh Hawley voted yes, promising to fight some Medicaid changes later.
Senate Maneuvers and Unexpected Alliances
In the Senate, Trump’s sway was weaker. His rocky relationship with Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska meant he couldn’t directly influence her vote. Instead, he relied on allies and his legislative team to push the bill through by offering Murkowski federal support for Alaska.
Texas Rep. Chip Roy, known for clashing with Trump (who once called him “just another ambitious guy, with no talent”), actually found common ground during negotiations.
“It’s politics. It is what it is,” Roy said. “We get along great.”
Roy voted yes, as did many holdouts.
Capitol Celebration: Village People and Dance Moves
When Speaker Johnson signed the legislation in the Capitol’s ceremonial Rayburn Room Thursday afternoon, the speakers played the Village People’s “Y.M.C.A.” Some Republicans bobbed their heads, gave thumbs-up, and Rep. Steve Scalise even mimicked Trump’s dance moves.
It was a rare moment of levity after a tense, exhausting week that highlighted Trump’s unshakable grip on his party—and the complicated, messy art of dealmaking at the highest level.
Quick Takeaways:
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Trump’s Dealmaking: Used executive promises to appease holdouts without reopening Senate debate.
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Holdouts Convinced: Lawmakers trusted Trump to handle contentious spending and renewable energy issues.
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Trump’s Power: Shows his dominance within the GOP — even opponents eventually caved.
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Democratic Resistance: Long speeches and opposition, but unable to stop the bill.
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Political Stakes: Medicaid cuts and tax changes could impact next year’s midterms.
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Holiday Timing: Trump was obsessed with July 4 deadline to sign, adding pressure on lawmakers.
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Behind the Scenes: Marathon meetings, calls, and social media pressure tactics.
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