Even with early public opinion on their side, however, it’s far from certain that the Republican budget bill will be the political winner Democrats hope.

In the Senate, Trump’s influence was more muted. His volatile relationship with Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska prevented him from swaying her. Instead, he relied on allies in Congress, as well as his legislative team, to get the bill over the finish line by offering Murkowski aid for her state.

The House on Thursday passed the signature piece of legislation of President Trump's second term, approving his "big, beautiful bill" by a vote of 218 to 214.