The GOP infighting needs to come to an end.
Conservative leaders are clashing over how to restore America’s financial future.
House Speaker Mike Johnson is standing firm in defense of President Donald Trump’s bold economic reform package, pushing back against criticism from Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), who says the proposed federal spending cuts don’t go far enough.
The debate unfolded Sunday on Fox News, where Johnson joined Shannon Bream to promote the “big, beautiful bill” that aims to extend Trump tax cuts, rein in wasteful spending, and avoid a devastating default by addressing the national debt ceiling.
“Rand’s concern seems to focus on the debt ceiling provision,” Johnson said. “But let’s be clear—Democrats won’t help. If Republicans don’t lead, we risk a financial disaster. We cannot allow the U.S. to default.”
Trump’s plan, supported by House Republicans, ties essential debt ceiling adjustments to long-overdue spending restraints—a move Johnson says is necessary to maintain economic stability and senior benefits while protecting the nation’s credit rating.
Rand Paul Sounds Alarm: “This Will Explode the Debt”
Sen. Rand Paul, a longtime advocate for limited government, appeared later on the same broadcast to warn that the bill doesn’t go far enough in cutting bloated federal programs.
“I voted for the 2017 Trump tax cuts and support making them permanent,” Paul said. “But the so-called spending cuts in this bill? They’re weak. I can’t support any version that piles on $4 to $5 trillion in new debt.”
Paul urged GOP leadership to pursue a more disciplined approach, such as raising the debt ceiling in short-term increments—every three months or $500 billion at a time—forcing Congress to confront the issue head-on.
“The national deficit is a direct threat to our national security. Someone in Washington needs to say: enough is enough,” Paul added.
Trump’s America-First Vision Faces GOP Divide
While President Trump’s economic agenda remains focused on driving down inflation, reviving American industry, and restoring fiscal sanity, the internal debate between Republicans like Johnson and Paul exposes deeper divisions within the party.
Still, conservative voters across the country—especially seniors who rely on Social Security and Medicare—are watching closely. The Trump-backed legislation aims to protect essential services while eliminating costly liberal pet projects that have ballooned the federal budget under past Democrat administrations.
As Johnson and Paul continue to battle it out over the best path forward, one thing remains clear: 2025 is a pivotal year for the future of the American economy—and the conservative movement.
Goes to prove not only does the president have to fight dems but also his own party just like his first term.