House Speaker Mike Johnson Hails Trump’s Spending Bill as Economic ‘Jet Fuel’ Amid Democratic Pushback

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., is doubling down on his support for President Donald Trump’s recently signed spending and tax reform package, calling it a major boost to the U.S. economy and a key step in the administration’s multi-phase economic strategy.

Speaking on “Fox News Sunday,” Johnson described the legislation as a cornerstone of what he called the “America First economic revival,” touting it as a major win for working families, small businesses, and the broader labor market.

“This is just the beginning,” Johnson told anchor Shannon Bream. “This bill isn’t just a policy document—it’s a promise kept to the American people. It’s going to function like jet fuel for our economy.”

The bill, signed into law by Trump on Friday, includes sweeping tax cuts, particularly targeted at middle- and lower-income families, as well as incentives for small businesses and relief measures aimed at seniors and tipped workers. Johnson ceremonially handed the gavel to Trump in a symbolic show of Republican unity shortly after the signing.

Johnson also previewed more legislation to come, noting that the current bill represents phase one of a three-part plan. He said the next two phases are already being drafted, with one expected in the fall and another in the spring, before the current Congress ends.

“We’re focused on delivering results,” Johnson said. “You’ll see us advancing more of these common-sense, pro-worker policies in the next two rounds.”

Pushback from Democrats

Despite the Republican fanfare, Democratic leaders have been sharply critical of the bill. A memo from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) reportedly warned that the legislation could cost Republicans control of the House in 2026. Critics argue the bill prioritizes high earners and corporations over working families.

Johnson dismissed those warnings, calling them nothing more than political posturing.

“Our plan is straightforward,” he said. “We’re going to show people real results. As wages rise, as job opportunities expand, and as tax burdens lighten, Americans will feel the difference in their wallets. And when that happens, all the political spin in the world won’t matter.”

He also responded directly to Democratic critics like Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., and Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin, calling their attacks recycled and disconnected from economic reality.

“They always say the same things whenever Republicans pass tax relief,” Johnson said. “But look at the numbers. These tax cuts benefit everyday Americans, not just the wealthy.”

What’s in the Bill?

The legislation includes several key provisions aimed at broadening economic participation:

• Extension of 2017 Trump-era tax cuts, made permanent for individual filers and small businesses.

• Tax relief for service workers, including non-taxation of tips and overtime for qualifying earners.

• Increased deductions for seniors, targeting Social Security recipients and fixed-income households.

• Incentives for domestic manufacturing and farming, including equipment write-offs and wage credits.

Johnson emphasized that the bill builds on the original 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which he credited with driving strong growth during the early years of Trump’s first term.

Citing data from the Council of Economic Advisers, Johnson claimed the bill is projected to generate 3% annual GDP growth, create an estimated 4 million new jobs, and raise the average American household’s after-tax income by more than $13,000.

“This bill helps the people who make this country run—manufacturers, entrepreneurs, workers,” Johnson said. “It puts more money in their hands, and when they thrive, the country thrives.”

Criticism of Wealth Distribution

However, not everyone is convinced. Rep. Glenn Ivey, D-Md., argued that while the bill may provide temporary relief for working-class Americans, it locks in permanent benefits for the wealthiest.

Ivey said the tax reductions for the middle class have expiration dates, while high-income earners enjoy enduring advantages under the new law.

Johnson refuted the claim, suggesting Ivey misunderstood—or hadn’t read—the full text of the nearly 1,000-page bill.

“With all due respect, it’s a dense bill,” Johnson said. “But here’s the truth: If you earn between $30,000 and $80,000 a year, your tax burden could fall by as much as 15%. That’s real relief, and it’s not temporary.”

Looking Ahead

As Republicans prepare for the 2026 midterms, Johnson believes the new tax policy will be a central pillar of their campaign platform.

“We’ve created the most consequential tax reform package in modern history,” he said. “This is about empowering the American worker and setting the foundation for a thriving, resilient economy.”

Johnson concluded the interview by reaffirming his commitment to seeing the next two phases of the economic agenda passed, stating, “We’re not done yet. This was just the beginning.