Will Trump support the GOP's plan to double the federal minimum wage?
President
Donald Trump
is signaling uncertainty over whether he will support a high-profile Republican proposal to more than double the federal minimum wage, reflecting ongoing divisions within the GOP as economic populism gains traction in Washington.
Speaking from the
Oval Office
on Wednesday, Trump responded to questions about the 'Higher Wages for American Workers Act,' a bipartisan bill introduced last week by GOP
Senator Josh Hawley
of Missouri and Democrat Senator Peter Welch of Vermont. The legislation would raise the federal minimum wage from its current $7.25 per hour—unchanged since 2009—to $15 per hour, a move that would impact millions of workers nationwide.
'I haven't seen it. I'd have to speak to Josh. He's a very good friend of mine,' Trump said. 'That's interesting that Josh did that. You have to think about that one.' He added, 'Some people agree with it. Some people don't. You know, some people say it really turns away business, restaurants, clothes and a lot of things happen. Other people agree. I'd have to speak to Josh — he's a good guy'.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Direct Shopping From Adidas Franchise Store, Up To 50% Off
Original Adidas
Get Offer
Undo
The politics of a wage hike
The proposal marks a notable shift for Senator Hawley, who has positioned himself as an economic populist. 'If we're going to be a working people's party, we have to do something for working people,' Hawley told NBC News after introducing the bill. 'And working people haven't gotten a raise in years. So they need a raise.'
Hawley's support for a
higher minimum wage
follows his recent efforts to cap credit card interest rates and his alignment with progressive senators on certain consumer protection issues.
Live Events
Currently, at least 31 states—including Missouri—require most businesses to pay above the federal minimum wage, but 20 states still adhere to the $7.25 standard. The proposed legislation would more than double the federal base wage, a move that supporters say is overdue given
inflation
and stagnant wage growth.
Critics, however, warn that such a sharp increase could hurt small businesses, lead to job losses, and drive up prices for consumers.
Trump's record and the broader debate
Trump's ambivalence is consistent with his past positions. While he has occasionally expressed openness to modest increases, he has generally opposed large federal hikes, citing concerns about regional cost differences and the potential for negative impacts on small businesses. In an earlier interview, Trump had acknowledged the minimum wage was 'very low' but warned against drastic changes, pointing to restaurant closures in high-wage states like California as a cautionary tale.
The debate comes at a time when
Democrats
are also pushing for a separate bill to raise the federal minimum wage to $17 per hour by 2030, with further increases tied to median wage growth. However, with the Republican-controlled Senate and Trump's uncertain stance, the path forward for any significant wage increase remains unclear.
Adding to the complexity, Trump recently revoked a Biden-era executive order that had set a $15 minimum wage for federal contractors, lowering it to $13.30 per hour for most contracts. This move has further highlighted the administration's mixed signals on wage policy.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
28 minutes ago
- Time of India
Pisces Daily Horoscope Today, June 21, 2025: Care for what cares for you
The stars guide you today toward a gentle reminder—take care of what takes care of you. This could mean your body, your home, your close ones, or even your own heart. You are often busy caring for others, but today it's time to return that kindness inward. Look around at what gives you peace and protect it. This is not selfishness—it is sacred maintenance. Let your energy flow back into the places that restore you. That is where true growth begins. Pisces Love Horoscope Today In love, emotional safety matters more than perfect words. If you're with someone, today is a good time to check in—not with blame, but with curiosity. Ask what your partner needs and share your own needs, too. If single, notice who brings calm to your spirit. The heart doesn't just want excitement—it wants presence. You don't have to give everything right away. Let love grow slowly, nurtured by care. Real affection honours your sensitivity, not tests it. Pisces Career Horoscope Today At work, return to the basics of what motivates you. If stress has taken over, pull your focus back to what you enjoy in your role. You may feel more creative today if you give yourself a calm space to think. Avoid taking on extra work to prove your worth. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Laxmi Ji Idol For Wealth, Peace & Happiness Luxeartisanship Shop Now Undo Someone may ask for help—offer it only if you feel full, not empty. Work done from a nourished place will always shine brighter than rushed effort. Pisces Money Horoscope Today Money needs quiet attention today. You don't have to change everything, but you do need to care for what's already with you. Avoid spending just to escape stress or to feel productive. Budgeting or organizing bills may bring a sense of peace. A small amount saved or re-directed today will feel more valuable than anything large spent without thought. Treat your money like a garden—water what supports your wellbeing, and cut out what drains you quietly. Pisces Health Horoscope Today Your health may show signs of fatigue in the stomach, feet, or lower back—these are areas where emotional stress settles in your system. Eat warm, gentle meals and avoid eating too late. If your sleep has been light or disturbed, try creating a bedtime ritual with soft music or a warm bath. Prioritize quiet today—your nervous system will feel better with less noise. Care for yourself the way you care for others. This is your foundation. Nurture it. Discover everything about astrology at the Times of India , including daily horoscopes for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces .
Time of India
28 minutes ago
- Time of India
Sagittarius Daily Health Horoscope Today, June 21, 2025: Something familiar feels new
Sagittarius, daily horoscopes await your discovery according to how mighty planets act on your health and vitality. Get helpful insights to coordinate your day with clarity and confidence. Maintain your balance and bask in the good cosmic vibes. Today, you may see familiar things around you in a fresh new way. This renewed perspective can bring excitement and new opportunities. Don't hesitate to explore ideas or places you once knew, as they might reveal hidden potential. Your curiosity and openness will help you discover growth in simple things. Trust your fresh outlook to guide you toward positive changes and deeper understanding. Sagittarius Health Horoscope Today Your health feels steady, but some small changes can boost your energy. Try a new form of light exercise or adjust your diet to include fresh fruits and vegetables. Small improvements today will help you feel stronger and more vibrant. Sagittarius Wellness Horoscope Today Wellness comes from embracing change and new routines. If your daily habits feel stale, try something different like meditation or a new hobby. Fresh air and nature walks can refresh your mind. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Eat 1 Teaspoon Every Night, See What Happens A Week Later [Video] getfittoday Undo Avoid stress by managing your time well and staying positive. Letting go of old patterns will open space for better balance and happiness in your life. Sagittarius Love Horoscope Today Love may surprise you with renewed energy. If in a relationship, see your partner with fresh eyes and appreciate small details. Singles may meet someone familiar in a new light, sparking interest. Open your heart to deeper connections and enjoy playful moments. Your positive attitude will attract warmth and affection in love today. Sagittarius Career Horoscope Today At work, your fresh ideas will be noticed and appreciated. Look at old projects again with new perspectives and you may find innovative solutions. Collaboration with colleagues can bring exciting results. Stay open to feedback and be ready to adjust your approach. This renewed enthusiasm will boost your career growth and help you stand out. Sagittarius Money Horoscope Today Financially, new opportunities may arise from familiar sources. Reconsider past investments or ideas that you once put aside. Trust your instincts and take calculated steps. Avoid fear or hesitation; positive changes can bring growth. Managing money with openness and fresh thinking will attract abundance and improve your financial stability. Sagittarius Affirmation Today: I welcome fresh perspectives to enrich my life today. Discover everything about astrology at the Times of India , including daily horoscopes for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces .
Indian Express
29 minutes ago
- Indian Express
Delhi must underline for Washington the grave dangers of Asim Munir's vision of Pakistan
In 2018, in his first term, US President Donald Trump had spelt out, in his typically blunt style, the sense that Rawalpindi and Islamabad had taken advantage of Washington: 'The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies & deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools… they give safe haven to terrorists'. This week, he said: 'I love Pakistan'. It would be simplistic to view the unprecedented lunch meeting at the White House between Trump and General Asim Munir — the first time a military leader who is not head of state in Pakistan has been accorded the honour — as a major u-turn. Indeed, India-US ties have been steadily deepening over the last three decades, based on a convergence of economic and strategic interests and shared values, even as the US-Pakistan relationship has grown more volatile. That said, the current moment in international relations is one of flux and Delhi must tread carefully. The Pahalgam attack underscored the grave national security threat that Pakistan-sponsored terrorism continues to present for India. With Operation Sindoor, Delhi has made it clear to both Rawalpindi and the world that it will pierce the shield of 'proxies' and not give in to Pakistan's nuclear blackmail. India has raised the costs of terror in order to ensure that such attacks on its soil are not carried out with impunity. Communicating the new normal it has etched with Pakistan after Pahalgam to its friends abroad is Delhi's challenge. To be sure, Delhi cannot control who Trump chooses to engage, and for what reasons. Pakistan's geography — it shares a 900-km border with Iran — may make it an attractive tactical partner for the US in the current Israel-Iran war. There is speculation that Pakistan's rolling out the red carpet for the privately-owned US cryptocurrency firm, World Liberty Financial (WLF), may have helped ingratiate Munir to the White House — Donald Trump Jr has close ties with WLF. A White House spokesperson has claimed that Munir has proposed Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize for his self-proclaimed role — firmly denied by India — in the post Op Sindoor cessation of hostilities. For India, though, the question is less why the Munir-Trump meeting, and more about how to ensure that the red lines it has laid down are respected, including by the US. Just a fortnight before terrorists killed 26 people in Pahalgam after confirming their religion, Munir had reiterated some of the nastiest tropes of the two-nation theory. He called Kashmir Pakistan's 'jugular vein', and reduced the complex and layered identities of the Subcontinent's people to their religion. It is now for Delhi — diplomatically, through the appropriate channels — to remind Washington that Pakistan's Field Marshal is a fundamentalist with an army at his disposal. Delhi has done well so far in standing its ground and making it clear that it will not compromise on its national interest: Even if belatedly, it issued a clear denial of President Trump's claims about mediating the ceasefire. Now, it must underline for Washington the danger that Munir's vision of Pakistan poses for stability in the region and for global order — and why Delhi has drawn some hard red lines.
