‘Stop making up math': GOP holdouts dig in as Trump presses on House budget

"Stop Making Up Math": GOP Holdouts Dig In as Trump Presses on House Budget

By [Your Name]

As Congress races to finalize a budget deal and avert a government shutdown, a faction of hardline House Republicans is refusing to back down, dismissing compromise proposals as unrealistic and accusing leadership of "making up math" to push through spending agreements. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump has intensified pressure on GOP lawmakers, urging them to hold firm on deep spending cuts and conservative policy riders—even if it risks a shutdown.

GOP Hardliners Reject Compromise

A group of far-right Republicans, many aligned with the House Freedom Caucus, has repeatedly blocked efforts to pass budget bills, demanding steeper cuts to federal programs and stricter immigration and social policy provisions. Their opposition has left House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) struggling to unite his party, with some members openly defying leadership-backed proposals.

"Stop making up math to justify bad deals," Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) posted on social media, echoing a sentiment shared by several colleagues. "We were sent here to fight for fiscal responsibility, not rubber-stamp the same wasteful spending."

The GOP's razor-thin majority means that just a handful of defections can derail budget votes, giving hardliners outsized influence. Their resistance has forced Johnson to either seek Democratic support—risking backlash from his right flank—or entertain deeper cuts that have no chance of passing the Democratic-controlled Senate.

Trump’s Influence Looms Large

Amid the infighting, former President Trump has weighed in, urging Republicans to reject any budget that doesn’t include sweeping cuts and conservative policy wins. In a recent Truth Social post, Trump called on the GOP to "defund the weaponization of government" and "stand strong" against what he labeled "Biden’s bloated spending."

Trump’s intervention has further emboldened holdouts, some of whom see aligning with him as a way to bolster their standing with the GOP base. "We need to listen to the people, and the people want us to stop the reckless spending," said Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), a vocal Trump ally.

However, other Republicans warn that the party’s hardline stance could backfire, especially if it leads to a government shutdown just months before the 2024 elections. "We have to be realistic. Shutting down the government doesn’t help anyone," said Rep. David Joyce (R-OH), a more moderate voice in the conference.

Democrats Seize on GOP Chaos

House and Senate Democrats have capitalized on the GOP’s divisions, accusing Republicans of being unable to govern. "The Republican Party is too busy fighting itself to do its job," said House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY). "Meanwhile, Democrats are ready to work on a bipartisan solution to keep the government open."

The Senate, controlled by Democrats, has advanced its own bipartisan funding bills, but House Republicans have so far refused to take them up, insisting on their own more conservative versions. With deadlines looming, the pressure is mounting for Johnson to either broker a deal or face a shutdown that could politically damage his party.

What’s Next?

As negotiations continue, the path forward remains uncertain. Some Republicans are pushing for a short-term continuing resolution (CR) to buy more time, but hardliners oppose even that unless it includes major concessions. If no agreement is reached, a partial government shutdown could begin as soon as [insert deadline], affecting federal agencies and services.

For now, the GOP’s internal battle shows no signs of cooling—and with Trump amplifying the resistance, Speaker Johnson faces an almost impossible balancing act. The coming days will test whether House Republicans can find unity or whether their divisions will once again push the government to the brink.

[Your Name] is a political reporter covering Congress and budget policy. Follow them on [social media handle].