One Big Beautiful Bill
Byline: Olson Strategies Staff
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As President Trump returned to Capitol Hill, his focus was clear: deliver economic certainty, border security, and tax relief through what he calls the “One Big Beautiful Bill.”
American Pulse’s Dustin Olson joined Newsmax’s National Report with Shaun Kraisman and Emma Rechenberg to break down the bill’s significance, voter priorities, and what the latest polling reveals about the stakes heading into 2026. Here are those thoughts, plus more analysis from our polling.
The Economic Inflection Point
With the national debt surpassing $36 trillion and inflation still top of mind for voters, Trump’s visit marked more than just a photo op—it was a critical moment to unify Republicans and inject certainty into the economy.
“This is going to be an important moment for Donald Trump and also Republicans, but really for the economy,” Olson said.
In American Pulse’s pre-inauguration polling, 62% of voters said their top priorities were the economy, inflation, taxes, spending, and border security—the exact areas this legislation addresses.
“You mess with people’s money, they get pretty upset,” Olson noted. “This bill is focused on what people care about most.”
The proposed legislation aims to prevent a massive tax hike and provide more of the certainty the economy craves. Olson called it a potential “inflection point” that, along with a steady parade of trade deals, could boost market confidence and serve as a launchpad for the 2026 midterms, especially since this could happen much earlier than it did in Trump’s term.
A Debt Reality Check
Despite the bill’s promise of savings, Olson did not sugarcoat the deeper issue.
“We just passed $36 trillion in national debt. That’s not something you solve overnight,” he warned. “Like a massive ocean liner, we can’t turn on a dime. But like the Titanic, we’re heading toward an iceberg—thankfully, this time, at least we see it.”
In a recent American Pulse poll, 67% of voters said rising federal debt directly impacts their personal finances through higher interest rates, proving that voters grasp the issue far better than many in the media assume.
Voter Appetite for Bold Solutions
Trump’s proposal to create a Department of Government Efficiency (D.O.G.E.), led by Elon Musk, resonates with the public despite criticism. In another American Pulse poll, 56% of Americans supported the initiative, signaling that voters are open to dramatic measures to reduce waste, fraud, and abuse in government spending.
But Olson pointed out the resistance:
“We saw just how rabidly the DC Blob and Democratic Party fought even modest spending cuts. But voters are on board with fixing this mess.”
The 2026 Midterm Horizon
As Olson explained, this vote isn’t just about short-term wins.
“Passing this bill early in his term gives Trump momentum—and failing to do so is the biggest threat to his agenda heading into the 2026 midterms.”
And with the May Harvard-Harris Poll showing 51% of Americans now view the economy as “strong”—the highest number since July 2021—there’s a window of opportunity. Add to that the 57% who say the U.S. is not in a recession, and the clouds may be lifting.
“This moment matters,” Olson emphasized. “Because when you give Americans economic optimism, you give them confidence, and that shapes the entire political landscape.”