President Trump to Meet with GOP Leaders Ahead of Critical Budget Vote
Former President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with Republican leaders in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, just before the chamber votes on the Senate’s version of his proposed budget resolution. The meeting is seen as a key moment in persuading skeptical GOP lawmakers to back the measure, which has sparked division within the party.
In addition to the high-stakes policy meeting, Trump will also headline a fundraiser hosted by the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC), where he will serve as the guest of honor. The event aims to galvanize party support and raise funds ahead of the 2024 election cycle.
The Senate’s version of the budget resolution includes $175 billion in funding for border security, an issue that has become central to Trump’s campaign and remains a top priority for conservative lawmakers. It also calls for the expansion of Trump’s 2017 tax cuts, a move that has drawn praise from fiscal conservatives but has failed to win over some budget hawks.
Among the critics are Republican Reps. Chip Roy of Texas and Andy Ogles of Tennessee, who argue the plan does not go far enough to rein in federal spending. They’ve expressed concern that without deeper cuts, the national debt will continue to balloon, putting future generations at risk.
House Speaker Mike Johnson has signaled his intention to bring the resolution to the floor for a vote as early as Wednesday. His team hopes that Trump’s direct involvement will be enough to sway reluctant lawmakers, especially those loyal to the former president.
Despite ongoing criticism from both Democrats and some within his own party—particularly regarding his trade policies and tariff proposals—Trump’s approval rating among Republican voters has seen a sharp increase in recent weeks. His continued influence on GOP policy-making and his ability to rally the base remain undeniable.
The outcome of the vote could serve as a litmus test not only for Trump’s political clout in the current Congress but also for the broader direction of the Republican Party heading into the 2024 election. The party remains deeply influenced by Trump-era policies, yet divided on how aggressively to tackle spending while maintaining popular tax and security initiatives.