MAGA has made one thing very clear.
Steve Bannon, a key figure in President Donald Trump’s administration and a leading voice for the MAGA movement, has issued a stern warning to congressional Republicans. If they push forward with a continuing resolution (CR) to avert a looming government shutdown, they will face a significant backlash from Trump’s loyal supporters. A CR is a temporary funding measure that ensures essential government operations continue until a permanent budget agreement is reached, and it’s something Republicans are expected to debate in the coming weeks.
The clock is ticking, as the federal government is set to run out of funding by March 14. This means Congress must act quickly to either pass a new budget or implement a CR to prevent a shutdown. While this has become a routine process, Bannon’s message underscores that the GOP needs to tread carefully, especially considering the influence of Trump’s base, which expects bold fiscal action.
House Republicans recently advanced a budget proposal with the aim of slashing mandatory spending by $2 trillion over the next decade. The plan also promises up to $4.5 trillion in tax cuts and a $4 trillion increase in the debt ceiling. This blueprint adheres to Trump’s promises to cut taxes and reduce the deficit, though its actual impact on government spending remains uncertain.
The budget proposal is seen as a stepping stone toward fulfilling Trump’s “America First” agenda, but there are concerns about the scope of these cuts. Key programs such as Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, which are part of mandatory spending, would remain untouched, and critics worry that the plan doesn’t go far enough in trimming wasteful spending.
During a recent appearance on Bannon’s podcast, Rep. Andy Biggs, a leader of the House Freedom Caucus, discussed these issues, especially in light of the ongoing efforts by tech mogul Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). While DOGE aims to identify and reduce inefficiencies, these cuts won’t be reflected in the proposed budget, which primarily targets mandatory spending.
Bannon, known for his hard-hitting analysis, expressed frustration with the direction Congress is heading. He pointed out that a full-year CR could result in maintaining the status quo, with little change to President Biden’s spending priorities, which are expected to contribute to a deficit of up to $2 trillion in fiscal year 2025. He asked, “Do Speaker Mike Johnson and his colleagues understand the political firestorm they’ll face? How will they defend Biden’s budget, which includes massive deficit spending, while failing to make any real cuts?”
House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, defended the budget resolution, emphasizing that it represents a critical step toward implementing Trump’s America First agenda. He also made it clear that there will be ongoing debates and negotiations as the budget process unfolds, and Republicans are determined to stick to their promises.
However, Democrats are already pushing back. Rep. Brendan Boyle from Pennsylvania criticized the GOP’s plan, claiming it would harm middle-class Americans by slashing vital programs while increasing the deficit to fund corporate tax cuts and enrich the wealthy.
As Republicans work toward finalizing the budget, the fate of a potential CR remains uncertain. The GOP faces pressure to pass spending bills that not only avert a shutdown but also stay true to their promises of fiscal responsibility. With Bannon’s warnings echoing through the MAGA base, Republicans are on notice that any compromise could lead to a loss of support from the very voters they depend on. The coming weeks will be crucial for the GOP as they navigate this critical moment in shaping the future of America’s fiscal policy.