Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley is betting big on the party’s newly passed $4.4 trillion domestic policy package—dubbed the “big, beautiful bill”—as a central part of the GOP’s 2026 midterm election strategy.
In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Whatley said the sweeping legislation, signed into law by President Donald Trump on July 4, reflects the promises that helped Republicans reclaim the White House, take back the Senate, and retain a narrow House majority in 2024.
“We won in 2024 because President Trump said he would rebuild the economy, secure the border, keep our communities safe, and restore America’s strength,” Whatley said. “This bill is the embodiment of that agenda.”
The legislation includes:
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Permanent extension of Trump’s 2017 tax cuts
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Elimination of taxes on tips and overtime pay
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Major funding for border security and immigration enforcement
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Restructuring of Medicaid with work requirements
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Cuts to food stamps and other federal safety net programs
According to estimates from the Congressional Budget Office and the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, the bill will reduce taxes by nearly $4.4 trillion over 10 years—but also add about $4 trillion to the national debt.
Despite passing narrowly in Congress along party lines, the measure is expected to anchor GOP messaging in the lead-up to the 2026 midterms.
Whatley acknowledged the bill’s unpopularity in national polling but pushed back on criticism from Democrats, saying the law delivers on the promises Republicans ran and won on.
“We’re not just going to take this bill and say, ‘Hey, we’re done,’” he said. “We’re going to keep pushing—tariffs, regulatory relief, and more spending rescissions are already in the pipeline.”
Democrats, however, argue the GOP is gambling with American lives. DNC Vice Chair Malcolm Kenyatta slammed Whatley’s comments, calling them “complete BS.”
“The nonpartisan CBO projects Trump’s bill will kick 17 million Americans off their health care. Period,” Kenyatta said. “This betrayal has Republicans running scared, and it’s why they’ll lose the majority in the midterms.”
Whatley dismissed the criticism, touting strong fundraising and candidate recruitment.
“We’re going to win because we have the better message, better candidates, and the environment is on our side,” he said. “But we’re not underestimating the Democrats. They always outspend us.”
With control of Congress on the line in 2026, both parties are gearing up for what’s expected to be a fierce and expensive battle, with the “big, beautiful bill” at the center of the GOP’s pitch to voters.
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