U.S. President Donald Trump has officially signed into law a major policy bill that forms the centerpiece of his second-term agenda. The signing took place Friday afternoon at the White House, just a day after the bill narrowly passed through Congress following intense debate and party divisions.

 

The event, held ahead of Independence Day celebrations, featured a festive atmosphere with military personnel, pilots involved in a recent strike on Iranian nuclear sites, and a dramatic flyover by B-2 bombers accompanied by F-22 and F-35 fighter jets.

 

The newly signed 870-page bill includes key Trump administration priorities such as tax cuts, increased defence spending, and significant changes to immigration enforcement and social welfare programs.

 

Key Provisions of the Bill Include:

 

Extension of the 2017 tax cuts introduced during Trump’s first term

 

$150 billion increase in the U.S. defense budget

 

$100 billion allocated to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

 

New tax breaks on tipped income, overtime, and Social Security

 

Significant cuts to Medicaid, a healthcare program for low-income and disabled Americans

 

Rollback of Biden-era clean energy tax credits

 

 

Speaking from the White House balcony overlooking the South Lawn, Trump hailed the bill as a “historic victory” that would fuel economic growth and “put America first.”

 

“The largest spending cut, and yet, you won’t even notice it,” Trump said. “The people are happy.”

 

 

 

He praised the bill’s tax relief measures and enhanced support for immigration enforcement, promising that senior citizens would benefit from the elimination of taxes on Social Security, tips, and overtime pay.

 

However, the bill has faced backlash from both sides of the aisle. Several Republicans expressed concern about its impact on the national debt, while Democrats argued it disproportionately benefits the wealthy and undermines healthcare access for vulnerable Americans.

 

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries delivered a nearly nine-hour speech on Thursday in an effort to delay the bill’s passage. He criticized the legislation as “an extraordinary assault on the healthcare of the American people,” citing testimonies from concerned citizens. Despite the marathon speech, the House proceeded to a final vote once Jeffries concluded.

 

The bill’s passage followed days of tense negotiations, including direct appeals by Trump to skeptical Republican lawmakers. With the law now in effect, the administration faces the task of convincing the broader public, as polls show significant disapproval of several of its provisions.