McDonald Rivet’s Controversial Ads and Tax Cut Debate
Representative Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-Mich.) is running for re-election amid scrutiny for her past votes. She previously opposed President Donald Trump’s working families tax cuts but is now airing ads, funded by taxpayers, that promote her support for applying for “passed” working families tax credits.
This Saturday marks a year since President Trump enacted the One Big Beautiful Act, a significant piece of legislation signed on July 4, 2025, which is designed to last indefinitely. The act reduces individual tax rates, doubles the standard deduction, and permanently increases the child tax credit. It also exempts or lowers taxes on Social Security income and provides deductions for interest paid on loans for new American-made cars.
The legislation narrowly passed with a vote of 218-214, receiving unanimous support from Democrats. In the past, McDonald Rivet labeled these measures as an “extreme package,” claiming they could lead to adverse outcomes for families, such as increased healthcare costs and food insecurity, all in favor of tax reductions for the wealthy.
Interestingly, since that vote, McDonald Rivet has appeared in a series of ads highlighting her efforts to help residents claim the tax credits she once opposed. Her office, through legislative staff, asserts they are working to assist constituents in this regard.
In one of her recent ads, McDonald Rivet mentions her commitment to informing residents about her office’s initiatives to lower medical and childcare costs. “I love helping working families apply for the tax credits we passed,” she states, emphasizing the benefit of more money in people’s pockets.
Breitbart News reached out to her campaign team for clarification on the ads, particularly given her opposition to the federal bill that established the tax credits. However, there was no response.
An RNC spokesperson criticized McDonald Rivet’s actions, stating she can’t take a stand on both sides. “If she’s proud of the benefits that Michigan families receive, she should explain why she voted against them initially,” the spokesperson remarked, suggesting that she is trying to manipulate her record.
The advertisements do not clarify whether they refer to federal tax cuts from the bill she opposed or to state tax credits in Michigan. There have been questions about potential misleading claims when she stated she “passed” the credits, recalling past occasions where she supported funding in bills she voted against.
In 2026, residents in Bay County are expected to pay around $3,131 in taxes, reflecting an average reduction of $2,295. Working families could see increases in take-home pay of up to $9,900, and approximately 1.7 million Michigan seniors should receive around $6,100 more over the next four years due to tax exemptions.
House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) has been vocal about the importance of tax cuts for working families. In April, rallies highlighted various provisions in the tax bill, focusing on helping small businesses and expanding tax credits while opposing tax hikes for the wealthy. The administration reported that more than 53 million filers benefited from the tax provisions, with average refunds exceeding $3,400.
President Trump labeled the law “the most popular bill ever signed,” emphasizing its comprehensive tax cuts and other measures. The legislation was promoted widely during Tax Day events, especially in swing districts, including Michigan’s 7th Congressional District.
In a separate incident from earlier this year, McDonald Rivet faced backlash after a recording surfaced where she appeared to make light of a tragic shooting at Michigan State University. Though she expressed sympathy for affected families, the spokesperson for the RNC condemned her remarks as “disgusting,” urging an apology that her office did not provide.
