TL/DR –
President Donald Trump’s “One Big, Beautiful Bill” (OBBB) has been signed into law, delivering on many of his campaign promises such as eliminating taxes on tips and overtime pay, extending his 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and increased border security. However, public opinion polls show that a majority of Americans opposed the bill, and Democratic groups have spent more on ads criticizing the OBBB than Republican groups have spent defending it. Despite this, surveys show that many individual provisions in the OBBB are popular with the public, suggesting that negative perceptions may be due to how the legislation is being framed by liberal groups.
President Signs “One Big Beautiful Bill” into Law, GOP Gears Up for PR Battle
Over the Fourth of July weekend, President Donald Trump signed the “One Big, Beautiful Bill” (OBBB) into law. This followed a strong legislative push from congressional Republicans. Despite this achievement, Republicans now face a huge public relations battle.
The OBBB meets several of Trump’s key campaign promises; it eliminates taxes on tips and overtime pay, extends the provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, invests significantly in border security, and removes ineligible beneficiaries from Medicaid. However, Democrats’ negative framing of the law can potentially impact the Republicans’ chances of retaining the House and Senate next November.
Democratic groups have already spent nearly $1 million on ads attacking the OBBB from July 4 to July 11, according to Punchbowl News. This outweighs the $600,000 that Republican groups have spent on defending the bill.
Despite the negative framing, a majority of Americans support the OBBB’s major provisions, such as extending tax cuts for those earning under $100,000, eliminating tax on tips, and increasing the child tax credit. A survey reveals that 61 percent of respondents from key battleground districts support making the 2017 tax cuts permanent to save the average American up to $2,800 per year.
Republicans now face the task of changing public perception of the law and educating voters on its true benefits. This public relations battle is as urgent as any other challenge facing the GOP.
Recent history shows that following the passage of major legislation, the party in charge often loses seats in House. Republicans, with their current 220-212 majority in the House, will need to outperform the trend to retain control.
Republicans should take lessons from history, understanding that their biggest battle began when the OBBB was signed into law. It is essential for the American people to realize the transformative potential of this legislation and discern the inaccuracies propagated by its detractors.
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