President Donald Trump signed a sweeping tax and spending bill into law Friday during the White House’s Fourth of July festivities, capping off a months-long Republican push to reshape the nation’s domestic priorities.
Backed by Cabinet members and Republican lawmakers, Trump signed the multitrillion-dollar legislation outdoors and struck a gavel gifted by House Speaker Mike Johnson to mark the moment. Fighter jets and a stealth bomber soared above the celebration as the U.S. Marine Band played patriotic tunes and pop hits—a signature Trump flourish.
Trump’s political victory
What they’re saying:
“America’s winning, winning, winning like never before,” Trump said at the ceremony, referencing last month’s bombing campaign against Iran’s nuclear program. “Promises made, promises kept and we’ve kept them.”
Later, at an Iowa rally launching events for America’s upcoming 250th birthday, Trump added, “I want to thank Republican congressmen and women, because what they did is incredible.” He also said Democrats opposed the bill “because they hate Trump — but I hate them, too.”
Democrats were sharply critical of the law’s cuts to social programs and deficit impact. “I never thought that I’d be on the House floor saying that this is a crime scene,” said House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries during an eight-hour speech that delayed the bill’s passage. “It’s a crime scene, going after the health, and the safety, and the well-being of the American people.”
The president complained that Democrats voted against the bill because “they hate Trump — but I hate them, too.”
The other side:
Democrats, meanwhile, were unanimous in their opposition, calling it a giveaway to the rich that will rob millions more lower-income people of their health insurance, food assistance and financial stability.
“I never thought that I’d be on the House floor saying that this is a crime scene,” Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York said during a record-breaking speech that delayed the bill’s passage by eight-plus hours. “It’s a crime scene, going after the health, and the safety, and the well-being of the American people.”
What’s in the ‘big, beautiful’ bill?
By the numbers:
The legislation extends Trump’s 2017 multi-trillion dollar tax cuts and cuts Medicaid and food stamps by $1.2 trillion. It provides for a massive increase in immigration enforcement. Congress’ nonpartisan scorekeeper projects that nearly 12 million more people will lose health insurance under the law.
The Congressional Budget Office estimates the package will add $3.3 trillion to the deficit over the decade and 11.8 million more people will go without health coverage.
What do Americans think of the bill?
Dig deeper:
Trump described the package as “very popular,” though polling suggests that public opinion is mixed at best.
A Washington Post/Ipsos poll found that majorities of U.S. adults support increasing the annual child tax credit and eliminating taxes on earnings from tips, and about half support work requirements for some adults who receive Medicaid.