President Donald Trump returned to Capitol Hill on Monday for a high-profile meeting with top Republican lawmakers, aiming to unify the GOP behind his proposed tax overhaul ahead of the 2025 elections.
Trump met behind closed doors with House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, and key committee chairs to promote a sweeping package of tax cuts and regulatory rollbacks that his campaign is branding as “America First 2.0.”
According to aides, the plan includes corporate tax reductions, expanded deductions for small businesses, and a permanent extension of the 2017 Trump-era tax reforms.
“This isn’t just a policy meeting—this is about setting the tone for our economic future,” said a senior Trump adviser. “The President is focused on delivering growth, jobs, and lower taxes for working Americans.”
The visit sparked intense media attention and tight security around the Capitol complex. While many Republican lawmakers welcomed Trump’s presence, others appeared more cautious. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), one of Trump’s frequent critics, said she was “open to discussing tax reform but not interested in campaign theatrics.”
Democrats swiftly denounced the event as a political stunt. “Trump’s return to the Capitol isn’t about governing—it’s about consolidating power and rewriting history,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY). “We remember what happened the last time he tried to take this building.”
The White House has not commented on the tax plan, though President Trump’s economic advisers have reportedly been in talks with Republican leaders for months about shaping a post-election agenda. Sources say the plan also includes provisions to reduce IRS funding, repeal green energy tax credits, and restructure the capital gains tax.
Trump’s visit comes as House Republicans struggle to maintain unity ahead of the fall legislative session. With several primaries still undecided and growing pressure from conservative voters, many GOP lawmakers see Trump’s involvement as both a political risk and a rallying point.
“This is Trump’s party now, whether some of us like it or not,” one Republican aide said privately. “And he’s back to claim the agenda.”
