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U.S. President Donald Trump signed a sweeping tax and spending bill into law on the Fourth of July, marking a major legislative victory during his second term. Framed as a patriotic celebration, the White House South Lawn ceremony featured military flyovers and was attended by hundreds of Trump supporters, Republican lawmakers, and military families.
The legislation, narrowly passed by the Republican-led House in a 218-214 vote, makes Trump’s 2017 tax cuts permanent, funds an aggressive immigration crackdown, and introduces deep cuts to federal spending. Critics warn the bill could strip millions of Americans of health insurance and increase food insecurity among low-income families.
Calling it “the biggest tax cut, the biggest spending cut, and the largest border security investment in American history,” Trump praised House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune for pushing the bill through Congress. Despite some Republican concern over the projected $3 trillion addition to the national debt, only two GOP members opposed the bill, alongside all 212 Democrats.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries led a passionate floor protest with a record-breaking eight-hour speech, denouncing the bill as a handout to the wealthy that harms everyday Americans.
Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin labeled the legislation a betrayal of working families and warned it would backfire on Republicans in the 2026 elections, accusing the GOP of siding with billionaires and special interests over voters.
The bill’s passage represents a key win for Trump’s economic and border security agenda, though controversy over its long-term effects on debt, healthcare, and social safety nets remains fierce.
