Johnson and Trump muscle domestic policy bill through House in massive win for president’s agenda

Johnson Delivers Narrow Win for Trump’s Agenda in Tense House Vote

In a dramatic pre-dawn vote on Thursday, House Speaker Mike Johnson clinched a critical legislative victory for former President Donald Trump. The House narrowly passed a sweeping tax and spending package after weeks of tense negotiations and last-minute concessions.

The 215-214 vote capped a chaotic week for House Republicans. Just hours earlier, the bill’s fate remained uncertain, with internal GOP rifts threatening to derail the agenda. The package includes permanent tax breaks from Trump’s 2017 law, major Medicaid reforms, and billions for border security.

“Sometimes it’s good to be underestimated, isn’t it?” said Johnson, visibly exhausted after late-night talks. He addressed the House floor as dawn approached, noting how close the deal came to collapse.

Trump’s role proved decisive. The former president pushed holdouts hard, hosting closed-door meetings at the White House. According to one GOP lawmaker, “It’s hard to overstate how important that meeting was. That got the last 15 votes.”

The bill’s passage meets Johnson’s Memorial Day deadline, one many Republicans had quietly dismissed as unrealistic. “Our speaker has the patience of Job,” said Rep. Richard Hudson of North Carolina. “He’s different than any speaker I have worked with.”

Trump demanded loyalty in return for support. “Vote no — and face primary challenges,” two officials summarized his message. He pledged help in the 2026 elections to those who backed the bill.

The legislative package extends tax cuts, repeals clean energy incentives, and introduces strict Medicaid work requirements. The final deal phases out Biden-era energy tax credits faster and raises the state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap to $40,000 for some income groups.

Despite these changes, the bill barely passed. Reps. Thomas Massie and Warren Davidson voted no, while Rep. Andy Harris voted “present.” Speaker Johnson could only afford to lose three Republican votes.

Rep. Chip Roy, once a leading critic, reluctantly voted yes. “We’ve accomplished a lot,” said Rep. Eric Burlison of Missouri.

The bill now faces scrutiny in the Senate. Republican leaders there plan changes, risking the delicate House coalition Johnson assembled. Trump urged speed, posting Thursday, “Send this Bill to my desk AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! There is no time to waste.”

Analysts say the bill’s Senate journey could be rough. “We’re going to be pretty strong on some red lines ourselves,” Roy told CNBC. He and others want deeper cuts and more Medicaid changes.

One provision in question involves how the federal government reimburses states through the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP). Critics call current FMAP practices a “money laundering scheme.”

While the House plan slashes food stamps and Medicaid, it also expands the SALT deduction to win over moderates. That shift secured votes from representatives in high-tax states like New York and California.

Trump framed the bill as a once-in-a-generation opportunity. “We have two years of united government,” he reportedly told lawmakers. “Don’t be foolish. Voters gave us a mandate.”

The vote follows Trump’s return from a trip to the Middle East. He became personally involved upon landing in the U.S., according to White House aides. His message: get the job done.

Behind closed doors, Trump told members, “You can’t f**k with Medicaid,” one official said. However, aides say he may sign executive orders later to address conservative demands.

Thursday’s outcome marks Johnson’s biggest test as speaker. He steered a divided caucus through a political minefield — a feat many doubted he could achieve.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune now inherits the task. Trump and Johnson want the bill on Trump’s desk by July 4. That gives the Senate just weeks to act.

Whether that timeline holds remains unclear. But for now, Johnson and Trump have scored a win — however narrow — in a divided Washington.