House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has defended President Donald Trump’s expansive tax cuts and spending package as a significant boost to the economy, calling it ‘jet fuel’ for the nation’s growth. Speaking on “Fox News Sunday,” Johnson dismissed Democratic critiques of the $1.5 trillion ‘big, beautiful bill,’ which he claims will permanently cut taxes for middle-class Americans and create millions of jobs. The speaker outlined a strategic plan to pass two more major bills within the next year, positioning the current legislation as the first step in a three-part strategy to achieve the Trump administration’s economic agenda.
Johnson rejected claims that the bill would harm Republicans’ prospects in the 2026 midterms, insisting that the economic benefits of the tax cuts will drive voter enthusiasm. He also highlighted the bill’s broader implications, such as securing the border, bolstering military investments, and fostering American energy dominance, all of which he believes will solidify the GOP’s electoral position. The speaker also responded to criticism from Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., and DNC Chair Ken Martin, dismissing their critiques as ‘old, tired talking points’ used against any Republican tax legislation.
Citing the Council of Joint Economic Advisers, Johnson said the megabill will spur 3% economic growth, create 4 million jobs, and increase the average household’s take-home pay by $13,000. The speaker emphasized that the bill’s provisions, including permanent extensions of the 2017 Trump tax cuts, will benefit middle-class and lower-income Americans, with specific provisions cutting taxes on tips, overtime pay, and seniors. Johnson argued that these measures will not expire but rather represent a long-term commitment to pro-growth policies, the largest savings for taxpayers in U.S. history.
Johnson also addressed criticism from Rep. Glenn Ivey, D-Md., who claimed the bill makes tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans permanent while working-class benefits expire. Johnson, however, dismissed this as a misunderstanding, noting that the 940-page bill extends benefits for middle-class taxpayers, not the wealthiest. The speaker emphasized that the legislation represents a comprehensive approach to economic and national security, with investments in the military industrial complex aimed at countering global competitors like China.