The White House has intensified its efforts to persuade Congress to focus on the more favorable aspects of the GOP’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ amid the upcoming midterm elections. By pushing lawmakers to highlight the popular tax components of the legislation, the administration hopes to win over working families and consolidate Republican control in the House. Senior White House officials, including Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, met privately with members of Congress to outline the bill’s benefits, particularly the tax cuts for tipped workers and the enhanced child tax credit, which they believe resonate well with constituents.
White House aides are also actively countering Democratic criticism regarding the law’s impact on Medicaid, insisting that the legislation actually increases Medicaid spending rather than cutting it. This messaging strategy is crucial, as the Congressional Budget Office’s analysis indicates that the law could result in nearly 8 million fewer Americans qualifying for Medicaid by 2034, largely due to a work requirement. To address this, White House officials are encouraging Republicans to maintain firmness on the Medicaid issue, framing it as a point of contention rather than a cut in the program.
Additionally, the administration has provided Republicans with a detailed midterm strategy, mirroring Trump’s 2024 campaign playbook. This strategy emphasizes targeting low-propensity voters—those typically inactive in elections—and leveraging local media markets to amplify the message. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and Deputy Chief of Staff James Blair have been instrumental in crafting this approach, equipping lawmakers with tools to navigate the messaging and voter engagement challenges.
Despite the administration’s optimism, the law faces significant opposition. A recent Pew poll revealed that 46% of Americans disapprove of the legislation, while 32% approve, and 23% remain uncertain. This mixed reception has led to internal debates within Congress, with some members humorously suggesting new names for the bill, such as the ‘Big, Beautiful Working Families Tax Act.’ These dynamics underscore the complexities Republicans face as they attempt to repackage the law for electoral success.