Mike Johnson Defends Trump’s Tax Bill Amid Harsh Poll Numbers and On-Air Fact Check
This week, House Speaker Mike Johnson was questioned on national television about the unpopularity of former President Donald Trump’s revamped budget and tax bills. The CNN interview showed the increasing gap between Republican leaders’ defense of the measure and voters’ and pollsters’ criticism.
Johnson lauded Trump’s efforts to reform the GOP’s landmark law, which he calls his “big, beautiful bill.” Trump recently said the measure needed a new name because the prior term worked for Republicans in Congress but not for regular Americans. He called it the largest tax relief for working-class Americans ever, but analysts disagreed on its scope.
CNN presenter John Berman countered Johnson’s claim by giving data showing the law is among the least popular federal statutes in decades. Polls show the proposal has lower public approval than the Affordable Care Act and Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Johnson downplayed the criticism, saying media outlets and Democrats had launched a “all-out assault” to mislead the people about the law. He argued that many Americans support individual provisions when asked.
Berman brought up recent Fox News polls, which showed mixed reactions to the bill’s specifics, which heightened the argument. Voters supported raising defense spending, removing tip and overtime taxes, and permanently lowering middle-class taxes. However, the rollback of clean energy subsidies, border wall financing, and food assistance cuts were criticized.
Johnson disputed the findings and questioned polling’s dependability. He cited his recent town hall meetings in 12 states to show that surveys can be distorted. Johnson claims that Republican voters nationwide have supported the law and the party’s attempts to curb government waste and spending. He reaffirmed that the law supports GOP goals of decreasing government, encouraging labor, and minimizing public program fraud.
Despite these justifications, the numbers show otherwise. According to new Pew Research Center data, 46% of Americans disapprove of the tax and spending package, compared to 32% who support it. Another 23% are undecided. Republicans have struggled to sell the law during the August recess, with hecklers and strong opposition at local rallies.
The scenario shows Trump and his associates’ political risk heading into election season. Republican leaders say the plan helps working Americans, but critics say it favors specific companies and eliminates protections and assistance many families need. Public opinion may be as important as the law, as both parties try to frame the issue to appeal to voters before November.
Sources: CNN, Fox News, Pew Research Center
