AOC Blasts Trump Budget as ‘Deal With the Devil’, Rips $25k Tip Tax Cap

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on Wednesday denounced President Donald Trump’s sweeping “Big Beautiful Bill,” branding it “a deal with the devil” during a House floor speech. Drawing on her experience as a former bartender, the New York Democrat said the measure would “explode the national debt, militarize the economy and strip away health-care and basic dignity” while chiefly benefiting billionaires such as Elon Musk. At the centre of her criticism is the bill’s headline promise to end federal taxes on tips. The draft legislation eliminates income tax on gratuities up to $25,000 a year for workers earning under $150,000, but Ocasio-Cortez called the cap a “scam,” arguing that the benefit is outweighed by other provisions she says raise taxes on people making less than $50,000 and curb Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program spending. The Senate has already approved the budget package, and the House—where Republicans hold a 220-212 edge—is preparing for a final vote. Supporters cite polling that shows majority support for the tip-tax break, while opponents warn the bill could push the national debt higher and cost between 11 million and 17 million Americans their health coverage. Ocasio-Cortez urged undecided lawmakers to oppose the measure, saying “you should be ashamed.”