House GOP Unites Behind Trump’s Plan to Slash Government/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ House Republicans passed a funding bill in alignment with Trump’s vision to shrink the federal government. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, has already eliminated thousands of jobs, with more cuts planned. Democrats warn that drastic cuts to Medicaid, food assistance, and other programs will hurt millions of Americans.
House GOP’s Government Cuts: Quick Looks
- GOP Unites on Funding Bill: Speaker Mike Johnson secured near-unanimous Republican support for the bill, avoiding a government shutdown.
- DOGE Slashes Jobs: The Department of Government Efficiency, overseen by Elon Musk, has cut thousands of federal workers.
- Education Department Hit Hard: 1,300 employees were laid off, part of a broader plan to dismantle the agency.
- Trump’s Next Move: The White House plans $4.5 trillion in tax cuts and $2 trillion in spending reductions.
- Social Programs on the Chopping Block: Cuts include $880 billion from Medicaid and $220 billion from food assistance programs.
- Democrats Left with Few Options: With Republicans controlling both chambers, Democrats struggle to block sweeping changes.
- Legal Challenges Loom: Some Republicans push for impounding federal funds, which could trigger constitutional disputes.
- Trump and Musk Call the Shots: GOP leaders say they are fully backing the administration’s government-slashing agenda.
Deep Look: House GOP Unites Behind Trump’s Effort to Dismantle Government
House Republicans Pass Funding Bill, Embrace Deep Federal Cuts
For years, House Republicans struggled to pass funding bills without Democrats stepping in to prevent shutdowns. That dynamic changed dramatically this week.
House Speaker Mike Johnson managed to rally Republicans behind a funding bill that aligns with President Donald Trump’s sweeping effort to shrink the federal government. Even the staunchest conservatives, including members of the Freedom Caucus, fell in line—a rare moment of GOP unity.
“In DOGE we trust,” said Rep. Tom McClintock (R-CA), a longtime deficit hawk, explaining his newfound support for the bill.
DOGE: Elon Musk’s Role in Downsizing the Government
Trump’s decision to install Musk as head of the Department of Government Efficiency has led to thousands of job cuts across federal agencies.
- The Department of Education lost 1,300 employees on Tuesday, about half its staff.
- More agencies face similar workforce reductions in the coming months.
- Musk has signaled Social Security and other entitlement programs will face “drastic cuts”.
“What we’re doing is making government more efficient,” Musk said. “We need innovation, not bureaucracy.”
Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’: Trillions in Tax Cuts and Spending Reductions
Now that House Republicans are fully aligned with Trump, the next move is pushing through a $4.5 trillion tax cut package, paired with $2 trillion in federal spending reductions.
- $880 billion in cuts to Medicaid will impact 80 million Americans.
- $220 billion in food assistance reductions will hit low-income families.
- Social Security and other federal benefits could be next.
“The Republican majority just voted to hand a blank check to Elon Musk,” said Rep. Katherine Clark (D-MA), the Democratic whip.
Democrats Struggle for Leverage as Senate Showdown Looms
With Republicans controlling the Senate 53-47, Democrats have limited options to stop these measures.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer faces a tough decision:
- Allow the funding bill to pass with bipartisan support, keeping the government open.
- Block it, leading to a government shutdown after midnight Friday.
“This is not what the American people want,” Schumer said Wednesday.
With Trump’s aggressive push for government downsizing, Democrats fear they won’t be able to stop the administration’s rapid dismantling of federal agencies.
Republicans Rally Behind Trump’s Vision
Unlike previous years—when GOP infighting often derailed major legislation—Republicans now appear unified.
- House Republicans overwhelmingly backed the funding bill, with only a few holdouts.
- The Senate is expected to pass the measure, paving the way for Trump’s next round of cuts.
- GOP lawmakers are embracing Musk’s leadership, saying government inefficiency is being eliminated at record speed.
Even ultra-conservatives who normally oppose funding bills are now on board.
“As long as DOGE is calling the shots, I can support this,” McClintock said.
Trump’s Influence Keeps GOP in Line
Trump made it clear that Republicans who opposed his plan would face political consequences.
- He personally called GOP lawmakers, urging them to support the bill.
- He publicly criticized Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) for holding out.
- Musk reinforced Trump’s stance, warning that government inefficiency must be eliminated.
Even Rep. Rich McCormick (R-GA), who hadn’t spoken to Trump personally, acknowledged the pressure.
“I want him to succeed,” McCormick said, signaling his support for Trump’s aggressive approach.
What’s Next? A Rapidly Changing Washington
With Republicans firmly in control, the U.S. government is being reshaped faster than anyone expected.
- More federal job cuts are expected as Musk continues his downsizing campaign.
- The tax-cut and spending-reduction bill could pass by April, bringing historic changes to social programs.
- Democrats are preparing legal challenges, but with conservative judges dominating the courts, outcomes remain uncertain.
For now, Trump and Musk are driving Washington’s agenda, and the era of GOP dysfunction appears to be over.
“We’re finally doing what we said we would,” said Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX).
With federal agencies shrinking and Republicans rallying behind a common cause, the government’s future looks dramatically different than it did just months ago.
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