By Trendsetter Tribune 
Former House Freedom Caucus Chair Bob Good (R-VA) has issued a scathing critique of President Donald Trump and House Republican leadership following the passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 (H.R. 7148). The bill, which passed the House on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, ended a brief four-day partial government shutdown but left several conservative priorities on the cutting room floor.
Good, who lost his seat in a bitter 2024 primary, accused Trump of pressuring House conservatives to “fold” on key demands—specifically the exclusion of full-year funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the omission of the SAVE Act, which would require proof of citizenship to vote.
The “Failed Playbook”: Good’s Critique
Good took to social media to blast the decision to pass the amended Senate version of the bill. He argued that by taking the threat of a long-term shutdown off the table, Republicans surrendered their only real leverage against the Biden-era spending levels that remain largely intact.
- Debt & Deficits: Good highlighted that the package includes 3,000 earmarks totaling $3 billion and contributes to a $2 trillion deficit, pushing the national debt toward the $40 trillion mark.
- The Trump Pressure: He specifically called out the President for demanding “Yes” votes from the 24 House Republicans who had previously stood firm against the package in January.
- The McCarthy Parallel: Good compared the current strategy to that of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, whose ouster Good helped orchestrate in 2024. He stated, “When your opponent knows you fear a shutdown more than he does—you lose.”
The State of Play: Shutdown Ends, DHS in Limbo
The passage of H.R. 7148 restores full-year funding for the majority of federal agencies, including Defense, Labor, and Health and Human Services. However, the Department of Homeland Security remains on a “leash.”
| Agency Status | Funding Duration | Context |
| Most Federal Depts | Through Sept 30, 2026 | Full-year appropriations finalized. |
| DHS / ICE | Through Feb 13, 2026 | Two-week stopgap to allow for “raid restriction” debates. |
| SAVE Act | Excluded | Not included in the final compromise bill. |
While most Republicans followed the President’s lead, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) remained a notable holdout, offering several failed amendments to cut spending from the package before ultimately voting “No.”
Political Context: The Good-McGuire Rivalry
Good’s vocal opposition comes as he weighs a 2026 comeback bid against his primary rival, incumbent Rep. John McGuire (R-VA). The two have a history of bad blood:
- In 2024, Trump endorsed McGuire over Good, a move many believe cost Good the primary by a razor-thin margin of just 366 votes.
- McGuire has remained a staunch Trump loyalist, while Good continues to position himself as a “principled conservative” willing to challenge even the President on fiscal matters.
- As of early February 2026, Good has filed paperwork to keep his campaign account active but has not officially announced a formal rematch against McGuire.
Trump demanding 24 House R’s who voted against the spending pkg on Jan 22 vote YES on it now, WITHOUT DHS/ICE funded or SAVE Act included. But, it will still include 3K earmarks for $3B, give us another $2T deficit & take us to $40T in debt. How many will fold & obey?
— Bob Good (@RepBobGood) February 2, 2026
I offered the following amendments to cut money from this week’s spending bill. Why are we funding these things?! pic.twitter.com/xZMrlb27Am
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) February 3, 2026
Trump taking a shutdown off the table eliminates all Republican leverage. When your opponent knows you fear a shutdown more than he does—you lose. This is Kevin McCarthy’s failed playbook.
— Bob Good (@RepBobGood) February 3, 2026