‘We did a rush job’: Donald Trump signs $US1.5 trillion tax reform bill under media pressure
"It’s not fancy, but it’s the Oval Office," Mr Trump said. Photo: AAP
Donald Trump has admitted he’s done a “rush job” by quickly signing a $US1.5 trillion tax reform overhaul into law with little fanfare just days before Christmas.
The United States president announced the biggest piece of legislation in his first year of office in a last-minute ceremony at the White House’s Oval Office on Friday (US time), after media questioned if he would keep his promise to sign the bill before Christmas.
“We did a rush job today,” Mr Trump said at the bill signing. “It’s not fancy, but it’s the Oval Office. It’s the great Oval Office.”
Mr Trump told reporters he had intended to hold a formal ceremony in two weeks, but didn’t want “folks” to say he wasn’t keeping his promise in an anticipated reaction to media criticism.
After watching the news, Mr Trump said he would be signing the bill in “30 minutes” in a Twitter post.
Will be signing the biggest ever Tax Cut and Reform Bill in 30 minutes in Oval Office. Will also be signing a much needed 4 billion dollar missile defense bill.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 22, 2017
“Every one of the networks was saying, ‘Will he keep his promise?’” the president said after delaying his trip to his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.
“I’m keeping my promise. I’m signing it before Christmas.”
The two pieces of legislation represent Mr Trump’s most significant accomplishment in getting his agenda through Congress since taking office in January.
Mr Trump said the bill would do “tremendous” things for businesses, the middle class and job creation.
“Jobs are produced through companies and corporations and you see that happening,” he said.
“Corporations are literally going wild over this, I think even beyond my expectations, so far beyond my expectations.”
Watch Donald Trump admit a ‘rush job’ (from the 2:26 mark)
Today, it was my great honor to sign the largest TAX CUTS and reform in the history of our country. Full remarks: https://t.co/kMxoxEB68G pic.twitter.com/OeAoA0sLfx
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 22, 2017
The tax package, the largest overhaul since the 1980s, slashes the corporate rate from 35 per cent to 21 per cent and temporarily reduces the tax burden for most individuals as well.
Democrats had opposed the bill as a giveaway to the wealthy that they said would add $US1.5 trillion to the $US20 trillion national debt during the next decade.
Republicans were also divided over whether to follow up their sweeping overhaul of the US tax code with a dramatic restructuring of federal benefit programs.
The spending bill extends federal funding through January 19, largely at current levels. It does nothing to resolve broader disputes over immigration, healthcare and military spending.
Before signing the legislation on Friday, Mr Trump said companies were giving bonuses to workers to celebrate the bill passing.