Former President Trump told reporters he hasn’t yet reviewed Senator Josh Hawley’s proposal to raise the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour, though he acknowledged the idea is “interesting” and said it would require further discussion—signaling a potential shift from his prior opposition to wage hikes.
At a Glance
- Trump said he hasn’t read Hawley’s bill and would need to discuss it with him
- The proposal would double the federal wage from $7.25 to $15 an hour
- Trump called Hawley “a very good friend” and said the idea deserves consideration
- Trump’s prior administration opposed raising the minimum wage
- Hawley’s bill frames the increase as a populist, working‑class measure
Unconventional GOP Push
Senators Josh Hawley (R‑Missouri) and Peter Welch (D‑Vermont) introduced the Higher Wages for American Workers Act, which would gradually raise the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour. Hawley said the bill reflects “a populist position” aimed at benefiting working families, as reported by Newsweek.
When asked about the bill, Trump responded: “I haven’t seen it. I’d have to speak to Josh. He’s a very good friend of mine… That’s interesting that Josh did that. You have to think about that one,” according to Newsweek.
A Potential Pivot—or Political Posturing?
Trump had previously resisted federal wage hikes, citing concerns about small business costs and job losses. However, during his 2020 campaign, he hinted at supporting regional wage adjustments rather than a national mandate. His willingness to “think about” Hawley’s plan suggests a possible softening—especially as Republican figures like Hawley reframe wage policy in populist terms, according to Fox Business.
Broader Context and Next Steps
While Hawley’s bill gains attention, Democrats are advancing the Raise the Wage Act of 2025, led by Bernie Sanders, which would raise the minimum wage to $17 by 2030—though prospects for passage remain slim in the GOP-controlled House, according to CNBC.
Meanwhile, momentum continues at the state and local level: nearly half of U.S. workers now earn at least $15 an hour due to local mandates, as Bloomberg reports.
Whether Trump ultimately embraces this new minimum wage push—or reverts to past positions—could reshape Republican messaging on labor ahead of 2026. For now, his “think about it” leaves the door wide open.
