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Trump ties budget bill signing to Independence Day celebration with military spectacle
Donald Trump is set to sign his sweeping budget bill on Friday, July 4, during a grand celebration at the White House, commemorating the 249th anniversary of U.S. independence. The event will feature fireworks, a flyover by stealth bombers, and the presence of lawmakers, marking one of the most significant legislative victories of Trump’s second term.
A victory wrapped in spectacle
Trump had pushed Republican lawmakers to pass what he calls his "big and beautiful bill" before the national holiday. The legislation, passed narrowly in Congress on Thursday, will now be signed during a ceremony at 4 p.m. local time, coinciding with Fourth of July festivities.
Speaking on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump declared, "Together, we will celebrate our nation’s independence and the beginning of our new golden age." The ceremony will include a flyover by a B-2 stealth bomber—the same type of aircraft used in recent strikes on Iranian nuclear sites—and fighter jets, with appearances by pilots involved in the operation.
The White House spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt, confirmed the timing, stating, "The president always envisioned and hoped for this moment to occur on July 4."
Trump's legislative triumphs
The passage of the budget bill caps a series of significant political victories for Trump, including brokering a ceasefire between Iran and Israel after recent military strikes, securing NATO budget agreements, and benefiting from a Supreme Court decision favoring his administration. These successes have reinforced Trump’s control over the Republican Party and his influence on American politics.
During a rally in Iowa on Thursday evening, Trump celebrated the bill’s passage, calling it a "phenomenal victory" for the United States. "There’s no greater birthday gift for America than this extraordinary achievement," he proclaimed to his supporters.
Controversy over Medicaid cuts
Despite the celebratory tone, Trump avoided mentioning the widespread concerns over the bill’s implications. The legislation significantly increases military spending, funds mass deportation efforts, and extends $4.5 trillion in tax credits introduced during Trump’s first term. However, it also introduces major spending cuts to social programs.
Reductions to Medicaid—the federal health insurance program for low-income Americans—are among the most severe since its creation in the 1960s. Analysts estimate that up to 17 million people could lose health coverage, and dozens of rural hospitals may be forced to close. Additionally, the bill cuts federal food assistance programs, further fueling criticism.
The tight 218-214 vote in the House, following intense lobbying, reflects the deep divisions within the GOP over the bill. Even some Republicans expressed unease about its impact on public debt and social protections. Billionaire Elon Musk, once a Trump ally, voiced his opposition to the legislation.
Political risks for 2026
Democrats hope the bill’s unpopular provisions will lead to backlash in the 2026 midterm elections, potentially enabling them to regain control of the House of Representatives. They argue the legislation represents a significant redistribution of wealth, favoring the wealthy at the expense of the nation’s poorest citizens.
As Trump prepares to sign the bill amid fanfare, the long-term political and social consequences could shape the future of his presidency and the Republican Party.
