The leaked conversation among cabinet members reveals differing views on the predicted $2.3T growth-induced deficit reduction from a tax bill, with some expressing skepticism about the figures and others emphasizing the need to focus on their responsibility in ensuring the bill’s success. The conversation also briefly veered off-topic to discuss personal interests such as March Madness.
Signal Conversation Transcript
March 15
Rubio (10:32 am ET): “The White House predicts up to $2.3T in growth-induced deficit reduction from tax bill. That’s a bold prediction.”
Vance (11:15 am ET): “I don’t trust those numbers. We can’t rely on policies like this to provide a silver bullet solution for our deficit. The math simply isn’t there.”
Miller (11:35am ET): “You’re all missing the point. The goal here is to stir up the economy, not solve all our problems with one bill.”
Waltz (12:15 pm ET): “Politics aside, we’re in charge of ensuring this bill’s success. Our work needs to be impeccable.”
Hegseth (12:32 pm ET): “Right, Waltz. We keep our eyes on the ball, not getting lost in the weeds of political bickering. 💪 🇺🇸”
Gabbard (1:00 pm ET): “Speaking of balls, who’s watching March Madness? My bracket is looking pretty strong 🏀.”
Rubio (1:15 pm ET): “Mine’s a disaster, but that’s not what we’re here to discuss.”
Wiles (1:30 pm ET): “Speaking of disasters, do we have a contingency plan in place if this bill doesn’t stimulate the economy as projected?”
Vance (2:00 pm ET): “I’ve been saying this from the get-go. We need to hedge our bets. This isn’t a game.”
Hegseth (2:30 pm ET): “Speaking of games, Gabbard, you can count on me for next year’s March Madness. I’ve got a knack for picking winners. 🏀”
Kent (3:00 pm ET): “Back to the topic, guys, we need a consensus on how to handle potential fallout from this bill.”
Miller (3:30 pm ET): “We need to stand by our policy. Media spins and fluctuating polls aren’t the metrics of success we should be chasing.”
Ratcliffe (4:00 pm ET): “Agreed. We rally behind this bill, come what may. If it fails, we adapt and strategize anew.”
Witkoff (4:30 pm ET): “We’re not just a cabinet; we’re a team. Let’s move forward, together, regardless of the obstacles we face. 💪🏼”
Bessent (5:00 pm ET): “Amen to that, Witkoff.”
Gabbard (5:30pm ET): “Who knew you guys could be so motivational? Maybe we could use some of that team spirit for next year’s March Madness. Just saying. 🏀”
Rubio (5:31 pm ET): “Focus, Gabbard.”