Trump Tries to Save His Big Budget Plan

President Donald Trump's big budget plan faces challenges. Many Republicans are hesitant after his last-minute trip to Capitol Hill.

Trump left the White House to meet with Republicans directly. He urged them to support his "big, beautiful" bill.

This bill includes about $4.9 trillion in tax cuts. However, parts of the plan, like changes to healthcare and tax rules, are causing disputes within the party.

Trump wants the bill passed by May 26. He is pressuring his party to act quickly.

Some Republicans demand more spending cuts. Others, mainly moderates, are worried about how the bill will affect people in their states.

Capitol Hill was busy that day. People lined up around the buildings. Secret Service agents filled the halls. It was clear that someone important had arrived.

Trump’s meeting won over some lawmakers, but not everyone was happy. The bill still needs to pass a full House vote before going to the Senate, where more Republicans have concerns.

After the meeting, Trump told reporters, "This was a meeting of love... We're going to have a great victory."

However, not all shared his optimism.

"As it stands right now, I do not support the bill," said Mike Lawler, a Republican from New York.

Trump claims the bill cuts waste and fraud, but lawmakers disagree on its meaning.

A key issue is the SALT tax break. The bill would allow couples to deduct up to $30,000 in state and local taxes, up from the current cap of $10,000.

Republicans from high-tax states like New York and California want an even higher cap. They argue that it would help middle-class families.

Lawler remains firm. "While I respect the president, I'm not budging on it," he said.

About six other Republicans share his view.

Nicole Malliotakis, a Republican from New York, supports the new SALT plan but understands the opposition.

“They’re fighting for their districts, and they should be,” she said.

Another major issue in the bill is a plan to cut Medicaid, the healthcare program for low-income people.

Some lawmakers want stricter rules. The bill proposes that people must work at least 80 hours a month to qualify for Medicaid starting in 2029.

Trump tried to ease concerns in private talks, claiming the cuts are manageable.

Congressman Jodey Arrington appreciated Trump’s message. “He had the right tone,” he said.

But others still want deeper cuts. “The president didn’t convince enough people,” said Andy Harris, a leader of the hard-right House Freedom Caucus.

Last week, the bill failed a key vote. It marked Trump’s first setback of his second term.

On Sunday, the bill narrowly passed a committee vote, 17 to 16.

Now, Trump is making calls to win over more Republicans. The full House vote is set for Wednesday or Thursday.