Trump signs “One Big Beautiful Bill” on Independence Day to cement second-term legacy

US President Donald Trump marked Independence Day by signing the landmark One Big Beautiful Bill (also known as the Big Beautiful Bill Act) into law during a festive ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House.

Surrounded by military families, cabinet members, and Republican Congress members, he declared, “Promises made, promises kept,” shortly after a dramatic flyover of B-2 stealth bombers—part of recent US airstrikes on Iran.

The legislation, spanning 1,116 pages, consolidates Trump’s major second-term priorities. It makes permanent the tax cuts introduced in 2017, permits tax deductions on tips, overtime, auto loan interest, and raises the SALT deduction cap to $40,000 for certain earners.

The bill also expands immigration enforcement funding by over $100 billion and allocates approximately $150 billion to military and border security systems ― including support for the Golden Dome missile initiative.

To offset costs, the bill institutes sweeping cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, introduces work requirements, and phases out numerous clean energy tax credits.

The Congressional Budget Office projects that the act will increase the national debt by around $3.3 trillion and reduce health coverage for 11.8 million Americans.

Trump’s message emphasized economic optimism and national pride. He proclaimed: “America’s winning like never before,” pointing to strong job figures and a high-performing stock market.

But Democrats and labor unions criticized the law as a “massive wealth transfer” from working-class families to the affluent, warning that cuts to Medicaid and food stamps could severely harm vulnerable citizens.

Despite overwhelming Republican support—the House passed it 218–214 and Senate approval came with Vice President JD Vance’s tie-breaking vote—it triggered backlash from some Republicans over its deep spending cuts and rising deficits.

As the country gears up for the 2026 midterm elections and the 2028 presidential race, the Big Beautiful Bill stands as a key flashpoint. While supporters see it as fulfilling Trump’s promises, critics view it as risking long-term fiscal stability and social welfare.