Utah Voters Back Trump's 'Big, Beautiful Bill' Despite Debt Concerns

Utah Voters Support Major Tax Package Despite Debt Concerns

Most voters in Utah express support for the significant tax package recently passed by Congress, which accelerates much of President Donald Trump’s domestic agenda. However, many acknowledge that this legislation could lead to an increase in the national debt over the coming years.

According to a new poll conducted by HarrisX for the Deseret News and the Hinckley Institute of Politics, 50% of Utah voters support the so-called “Big, Beautiful Bill Act” as it was approved in early July. Only 38% oppose the measure, while 12% remain unsure. The poll highlights a notable level of awareness among Utah voters regarding the content and implications of the massive bill before it was signed into law by Trump on July 4.

Despite their support, many voters recognize potential financial consequences of the legislation. The poll shows that voters are divided along party lines when asked about the impact of the flagship legislation—extending Trump's 2017 tax cuts while allowing billions in spending cuts to Medicaid and other welfare programs. Over half (54%) of voters believe the package will improve the economy, while 46% think it will worsen it.

Republican voters largely support the bill, with 75% of self-identified Republicans believing the economy will grow compared to just 12% of Democrats who share the same view. However, even among GOP supporters, there is recognition that the national debt may worsen due to the new policies. More than half (52%) of voters say the debt will increase because of the domestic policy package.

When broken down by party, 40% of Republicans believe the deficit will increase, while 35% think the debt will decrease. Another 26% do not believe the legislation will make a difference. Jason Perry, director of the Hinckley Institute of Politics, noted that while it is expected for many Republicans to back the bill, some voters also see drawbacks. He explained that people can support major policy changes while being uncertain about specific impacts, such as the effect on the national debt. Many Republican voters recognize the bill may increase the debt but still support it due to broader beliefs or trust in the leadership behind it.

On the other hand, a plurality of Republican voters (41%) believe inflation will decrease due to the bill, while only 31% think inflation will rise as a result of the legislation. This reflects a mixed perception among voters regarding the economic effects of the package.

The poll comes at a critical time as Republicans return home for the August recess and prepare for the upcoming midterm elections. The “big, beautiful bill” is likely to be a central message for both parties. Congress passed the massive tax package just before the July Fourth holiday, enacting the president’s domestic policy agenda, which includes border security, energy production, and tax reform. The budget framework also approves trillions in spending cuts to government programs like Medicaid to offset the costs of permanent tax cuts expected to take effect later this year.

Trump and GOP leaders are urging their members to defend the budget package to their constituents, especially those running for reelection in tight races. However, this may prove challenging, as polling indicates the bill is facing concerns about increasing costs and negatively impacting the economy.

While the package includes roughly $4.5 trillion in tax cuts, the full package is projected to increase the national deficit by $3.4 trillion over the next 10 years, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. Much of the new federal spending comes from provisions related to military and immigration costs, while funds are reduced from some welfare programs and green energy tax credits.

The Deseret News/Hinckley Poll was conducted by HarrisX between July 9-16 among 802 registered Utah voters, with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points.