Trump steps up pressure on Senate to push his bill forward - Axios
Photo: Donald Trump, President of the United States (Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump is ramping up pressure on Republican senators to push through his tax and spending bill this weekend, according to Axios.
Donald Trump has stepped up his efforts with Senate Republicans to push his key tax and spending bill through as early as this weekend.
To win support, the former president has been personally calling senators, inviting them to lunch, and even golfing with them.
What's happening
Republican senators are bracing for a tough, multi-day battle to pass the bill, which Trump has called his "big, beautiful" plan. A first procedural vote was expected at 4 PM ET, but the schedule shifted as some senators requested more time to review the updated draft.
Personal talks and golf diplomacy
Trump is personally lobbying senators. On Saturday morning, he golfed with Senators Eric Schmitt, Lindsey Graham, and Rand Paul, the latter still firmly opposed to the bill.
The night before, Senator Thom Tillis spoke with Trump by phone, calling the conversation constructive, but said he still plans to vote "no."
Trump also hosted Senators Ron Johnson, Rick Scott, and Katie Britt for lunch at his Virginia golf club, while Senator Mike Lee confirmed a similar call with the former president.
Why it matters
Senator John Thune said Trump wants to be "the closer" on the bill, and that the urgency Trump has injected may be the deciding factor in getting it across the finish line.
For context, congressional Democrats have criticized federal staffing cuts under Trump’s second-term agenda, as his administration continues efforts to downsize government spending.
