Trump enacts major US tax and spending cuts during dramatic Fourth of July celebration

WASHINGTON, July 5 — On Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump signed into law a sweeping package of tax cuts and spending reductions during an Independence Day ceremony at the White House that resembled a campaign rally.

With military jets soaring overhead and a crowd of supporters gathered on the South Lawn, Trump celebrated the legislation — passed just a day earlier by the Republican-led House in a narrow 218–214 vote — as a major achievement of his second term.

The bill will fund Trump’s hardline immigration agenda, make his 2017 tax cuts permanent, and is projected to cause millions of Americans to lose access to health insurance. It passed the House after an emotional and contentious debate

“I’ve never seen so many Americans this happy,” Trump declared at the event, praising the bill for benefiting a wide range of citizens — from military personnel to workers. He also thanked House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune for guiding the legislation through Congress.

“This is the largest tax cut, the deepest spending cut, and the biggest investment in border security in American history,” Trump said proudly.

The holiday ceremony featured a military flyover, including stealth bombers and fighter jets used in recent U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites. Attendees included White House staff, Republican lawmakers, military families, and Trump supporters.

After delivering a speech filled with bold claims about the nation's progress under his leadership, Trump signed the bill, posed with GOP leaders and Cabinet officials, and mingled with the cheering crowd.

The bill’s enactment marks a significant victory for Trump and Republican lawmakers, who argue it will fuel economic growth — despite nonpartisan forecasts that it could increase the national debt by over US$3 trillion, raising it beyond US$36.2 trillion.

While a few Republicans voiced concerns about the bill’s cost and its impact on healthcare programs, only two out of 220 GOP House members ultimately voted against it. All 212 Democrats opposed it.

The bill faced strong resistance, including a marathon speech from House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who spoke for 8 hours and 46 minutes, condemning it as a handout to the wealthy at the expense of low-income Americans who rely on public healthcare and food aid.

Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin warned that the law would come back to haunt Republicans in the 2026 midterms.

“Today, Donald Trump sealed the Republican Party’s fate,” Martin said. “They’ve made it clear they stand with billionaires and special interests, not working families. This bill is a betrayal of the American people, and Republicans will pay for it at the ballot box.” — Reuters