U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday declared a “phenomenal victory” after Congress narrowly passed his sweeping tax and spending bill, marking a major legislative win that cements much of his controversial second-term agenda.
Speaking to an energized crowd at a rally in Des Moines, Iowa, Trump framed the bill’s passage as the perfect start to America’s 250th Independence Day celebrations, calling it the most transformative legislation of his presidency.
“There could be no better birthday present for America than the phenomenal victory we achieved just hours ago,” Trump proclaimed. “This one, big beautiful bill delivers the strongest border, the strongest economy, and the strongest military on Earth.”
The bill passed the House of Representatives by a razor-thin margin of 218-214 on Thursday, after several hesitant Republicans were persuaded to back the measure following intense pressure from Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson. It had cleared the Senate earlier in the week with similar contention.
The 869-page bill enacts a broad array of Trump’s campaign promises, including:
- A $4.5 trillion extension of first-term tax cuts, benefiting corporations and high-income earners.
- A massive crackdown on illegal immigration, funding nationwide deportations.
- A sharp increase in defense spending, following recent U.S. airstrikes in the Middle East.
- Deep cuts to welfare programs, including Medicaid and food assistance.
Critics warn the legislation could add $3.4 trillion to the national deficit over the next decade and gut essential support services. An estimated 17 million low-income Americans are projected to lose Medicaid coverage, with many rural hospitals facing potential closure.
While some moderate Republicans voiced concerns about political backlash, fiscal conservatives argued the bill fell short on promised spending cuts. Democrats were united in opposition.
“This reckless Republican budget is not about lifting Americans up, it’s about pushing millions down,” said House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. “It’s a massive transfer of wealth from the poor to the rich.”
President Trump is expected to sign the bill into law on Friday, July 4, during a high-profile event featuring military pilots involved in the recent U.S. airstrikes on Iran.
The legislation follows a string of victories for Trump, including a recent Supreme Court ruling limiting the power of federal judges and diplomatic gains from U.S. strikes that led to a ceasefire between Israel and Iran.
While Trump hailed the bill as a long-overdue correction to the “disaster” of the Biden-Harris administration, opponents say it sets the stage for fierce political battles ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, where control of Congress hangs in the balance.
Written By Rodney Mbua
