Russell Vought, head of the Office of Management and Budget, stated that concerns regarding tariffs are significant in the ongoing discussions about the GOP’s “big and beautiful bill.”
A report from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) revealed that Trump’s tariffs could lower the deficit by $2.5 trillion over the next ten years. In contrast, the House’s recent bill is expected to increase the deficit by $2.4 trillion through 2034.
Vought insisted that tariffs aimed at shrinking the US government should play a role in the overall narrative surrounding the proposed legislation.
“Just because it’s not reflected in the bill doesn’t mean it’s not part of a consistent financial strategy,” he remarked to reporters, emphasizing how these elements are integral to the administration’s objectives.
He added, “Including this in our financial discussions is entirely reasonable. Over the next few months, we’re tackling a significant portion of the issue directly. If our actions constitute a fundamental shift, those changes will unfold over time.”
The CBO’s evaluation included tariffs established by Trump from January 6 to May 13, encompassing the recent trade truce with China declared on May 12.
Meanwhile, the “big, beautiful bill” is encountering resistance from fiscal conservatives and prominent figures like Elon Musk due to concerns about potential deficits.
According to the CBO, the proposed tax reductions within the plan—including the expiration of certain provisions from Trump’s 2017 tax law—could lead to revenue losses exceeding $3.6 trillion in the coming decade. Additionally, cutbacks to federal spending initiatives, such as Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, could result in a $1.2 trillion reduction.
Musk criticized the House bill as “filled with pork” and “nasty hateful,” calling for its dismissal.
Despite the backlash, Vought dismissed such criticisms, suggesting that the White House remains unconcerned about attempts to overturn the legislation that has passed the House.
“We feel confident about the bill. Our discussions with the Senate are productive,” he noted. “I don’t believe the visible opposition is hindering our chances of passing this.”
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) expressed that there’s little time to revisit the legislation in light of Musk’s comments, stating, “We’ve spent nearly 14 months on this bill; going back to square one isn’t an option. We believe we have the most solid proposal available, even if some may not find it perfect.”
