Trump's assertion that his unpopular bill is the "most popular bill ever signed" is unfounded.
In a stark contrast to President Donald Trump's recent assertion that his domestic policy bill is the most popular in the country's history, polls indicate a different reality. The bill, which includes extensions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, increased spending for border security and defence, and cuts to healthcare and nutrition programs, has been met with significant opposition.
According to data journalist G. Elliott Morris, on average, 31% of Americans support the bill, while 54% oppose it, resulting in a net rating of -23. This makes the bill one of the least popular major legislations in recent history.
CNN chief data analyst Harry Enten went as far as stating that the polling numbers for this bill are the worst he has ever seen. Even compared to other controversial bills like the Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010, the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) of 2008, and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the unpopularity of Trump's bill stands out.
One of the contentious points of the bill is the tax deduction for Social Security recipients. While Trump claimed that the bill would deliver "no tax on Social Security for our great seniors," the reality is more complex. The bill creates a temporary additional tax deduction of $6,000 per person age 65 and older every year from 2025 through 2028. However, millions of seniors will still have to pay tax on their Social Security benefits, and only 88% of seniors will not pay tax on those benefits with this additional deduction, up from 64% not paying tax under current law.
The bill's unpopularity is also reflected in its narrow passage in both the House and Senate, reflecting significant partisan divisions and opposition from Democrats.
Interestingly, Trump has made a false claim that "we've delivered ... no tax on Social Security for our great seniors." This claim contradicts the actual provisions of the bill and has been debunked by fact-checkers.
Despite the bill's unpopularity, it remains to be seen how it will impact the political landscape in the coming months. However, the early signs suggest that it is one of the least popular pieces of legislation in recent memory.
The domestic policy bill, despite President Donald Trump's claims, is one of the least popular major legislations in recent history, with only 31% of Americans supporting it, while 54% oppose it. Even compared to controversial bills like the Affordable Care Act, Troubled Asset Relief Program, and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the unpopularity of Trump's bill stands out.
