Historic Legislation Signed on Independence Day
On July 4, 2025, in a dramatic White House ceremony timed with America’s Independence Day, US President Donald Trump signed into law his landmark $3.4 trillion budget bill, famously dubbed the “Big Beautiful Bill.”
The bill delivers sweeping tax cuts, reductions in welfare spending, and aggressive immigration reforms. With Republican allies flanking him and fighter jets soaring above in celebration, Trump declared, “Promises made, promises kept.”
The legislation, passed on a narrow party-line vote, enacts:
- No taxes on tips and Social Security income
- $1.2 trillion cuts to Medicaid and food stamps
- Expanded immigration enforcement funding
- Rollbacks of Obama- and Biden-era climate and healthcare policies
Trump hailed the measure as an economic booster: “Our country is going to be a rocket ship because of this legislation.”
Republicans Rejoice, Democrats Protest
Senator J.D. Vance cast the deciding vote in the Senate. But not all Republicans backed the bill—Kentucky’s Tom Massie dissented and now faces backlash. Democrats unanimously opposed the bill.
Critics say the law is a massive wealth transfer from working-class Americans to the ultra-rich. The Congressional Budget Office projects a $3.3 trillion rise in the federal deficit and over 11 million Americans losing health coverage.
Labour Unions and Democrats Slam the Law
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler called it “the worst job-killing bill in American history,” stating it strips healthcare from workers to benefit billionaires.
DNC Chair Ken Martin labeled it “devastating,” arguing it cements the GOP as a party for billionaires, not working families. He promised to make the bill a focal issue in the 2026 midterm elections.
Trump Dismisses Backlash
Trump struck back at critics: “They hate Trump — but I hate them, too.”
He brushed off concerns about health coverage losses: “Everybody’s going to live. If you see anything negative from Democrats, it’s a con job.”
Public Opinion Divided
A Washington Post/Ipsos poll shows:
- Majority support for no tax on tips and increased child tax credit
- Divided opinions on work requirements for Medicaid
- Majority oppose welfare cuts and migrant detention funding
- 60% view the added debt as unacceptable
Despite Trump’s optimism, voter unease suggests the bill’s popularity may be limited.
What’s Next?
As the US prepares for the 2026 midterms, Democrats are launching rallies, ads, and public vigils to spotlight what they call the law’s damaging effects. Republicans, meanwhile, hope the economic impact helps solidify Trump’s second-term legacy.
Final Thoughts
The “Big Beautiful Bill” may become a defining chapter in US politics. It promises economic gains but invites backlash over inequality and rising debt. One thing is certain—the debate has only just begun.