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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Joe Sommerlad,Mike Bedigan and Rachel Dobkin

Trump celebrates signing of narrowly passed bill during White House July 4 event: Live updates

Donald Trump JD Vance the House of Representatives

President Donald Trump celebrated the signing of his narrowly passed “Big, Beautiful Bill” into law with a White House speech on Independence Day.

He stood with First Lady Melania Trump on the balcony of the White House as he described his second term as “winning, winning, winning.”

After his speech, Trump signed his bill on the White House lawn, finalizing the controversial legislation that is set to provide tax cuts for the wealthy while slashing benefits through Medicaid and food assistance programs.

The bill passed by a thin 218-214 margin Thursday in the House of Representatives.

Trump and Melania also enjoyed watching a fireworks show over the National Mall Friday night.

“Free America” protests were held in cities across the nation on Independence Day, with demonstrators voicing their criticisms against the Trump administration.

It comes after the president was heavily criticized over his use of an historic antisemitic term during a recent event, which has been described by activism groups as “extremely offensive” and “dangerous.

While delivering a campaign-style speech during the America250 event at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines on Thursday, just hours after the House passed the bill, the president railed against “Shylocks” and “bad people.”

“The term 'Shylock' evokes a centuries-old antisemitic trope about Jews and greed that is extremely offensive and dangerous. President Trump's use of the term is very troubling and irresponsible,” the ADF wrote on X. “Words from our leaders matter and we expect more from the President of the United States.”

Key Points

  • Donald Trump plans to celebrate 250 years of independence with White House UFC fight
  • Jubilant Trump takes victory lap in Iowa after 'Big, Beautiful Bill' passes
  • President accused of using ‘blatant and vile antisemitic slur’ in rally speech
  • Nationwide July 4 ‘Free America’ protests look to upstage bill signing
  • Chants of ‘USA’ ring out in House as Trump’s bill passes
  • Trump and Melania enjoy July 4 fireworks

Live coverage has paused

03:05 , Rachel Dobkin

Live coverage of President Donald Trump’s ”Big, Beautiful Bill” and July 4 celebration has paused.

Here’s everything you need to know:

Trump signs ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ into law on Independence Day after narrow passage

Fireworks light up the night sky as Trump and Melania watch D.C. show

03:00 , Rachel Dobkin

Fireworks are lighting the skies up and down the East Coast this Independence Day.

In Washington, D.C., President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump celebrated America’s 249th birthday by watching fireworks over the National Mall from the White House.

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump watch the Independence Day fireworks show in Washington, D.C. (AFP via Getty Images)

Earlier Friday, Trump blurred an Independence Day celebration with military families with a signing of his ‘Big, Beautiful Bill.”

Fireworks exploded for nearly 30 minutes over the nation’s capital on Friday night.

One of Trump’s signature songs, “Y.M.C.A.,” played as people gathered on the South Lawn of the White House to view the fireworks show.

Read more from Katie Hawkinson:

Fireworks light the night sky across the country on Independence Day

Trump reveals his secret pet name for Melania: ‘Isn’t it terrible?’

02:40 , Rachel Dobkin

A day before President Donald Trump stood on the White House balcony alongside First Lady Melania Trump, he revealed his secret pet name for her.

Joe Sommerlad writes:

A jubilant President Donald Trump inadvertently revealed his pet name for his wife Melania Trump during a speech to supporters in Iowa on Thursday, hours after Congress finally passed his “Big, Beautiful Bill.”

Delivering a “Salute to America” address in Des Moines on the eve of July 4, as the United States marks the 249th anniversary of its independence from Britain, Trump leapt from one topic to another and eventually settled on military recruitment.

“I remember saying to our great First Lady...” he began, before stopping to remark: “I call her ‘First Lady,’ isn’t it terrible?”

Read on...

Trump reveals his secret pet name for Melania: ‘Isn’t it terrible?’

Trump and Melania watch the D.C. firework show

02:16 , Rachel Dobkin

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are attending the Washington D.C. fireworks show along the National Mall.

The couple watched in awe from the White House balcony.

Trump bill gives ICE $45 billion for detaining immigrants

01:50 , Rachel Dobkin

President Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” will provide Immigration and Customs Enforcement about $45 billion over the next four years to spend on detaining undocumented immigrants.

The funding is more than the federal government spent on immigration detention during the previous three presidential administrations, combined, according to a Washington Post analysis.

Aaron Reichlin-Melnick of the American Immigration Council told Democracy Now! that the spending package, which contains about $170 billion in wider immigration and border funding, makes ICE “the single largest federal law enforcement agency in the history of the nation.”

“We’re talking nearly 20 years’ worth of detention funding to be spent only in a four-year period, and an increase to ICE’s enforcement budget beyond anything we’ve ever seen before, allowing the agency to expand mass deportations over the next four years to every community nationwide,” he said.

Read more from Josh Marcus:

Trump bill gives ICE $45 billion for detaining migrants, more than the last 15 years

ICYMI: Trump signs 'big, beautiful bill' into law

01:20 , Rachel Dobkin

President Donald Trump signed his tax and spending bill into law Friday evening as millions of Americans celebrated Independence Day.

Joe Biden's Independence Day message: 'Today is about freedom'

Saturday 5 July 2025 00:50 , Rachel Dobkin

Former President Joe Biden told Americans in an Independence Day message earlier Thursday, “Today is about freedom.”

“We’re the United States of America, and nothing like it exists in the world. As we celebrate our nation’s independence, we must also remember that democracy is never guaranteed—every generation must fight to maintain it,” he wrote.

Colleges will soon have to fork over millions of dollars as Trump’s bill extends a tax on their endowments

Saturday 5 July 2025 00:30 , Rachel Dobkin

President Donald Trump's "big, beautiful bill" has passed and is causing panic for the heads of America's top universities.

The bill levies a tiered tax on university endowments, which previously were not taxable. The new tax is justified by the Trump administration as a way to prevent universities from "[abusing] generous benefits provided through the tax code".

The taxes range from 1.4 percent to 8 percent at the wealthiest institutions.

Universities rely on their endowments to fund essential operations and to provide services to their students.

Read more from Graig Graziosi:

Charlie Kirk celebrates America after signing of Trump's bill

Saturday 5 July 2025 00:10 , Rachel Dobkin

Prominent conservative Charlie Kirk celebrated America after President Donald Trump signed his tax and spending bill Friday evening.

“A year ago today our country was suffocating under [former President Joe] Biden. Today, Trump signs the most transformative piece of legislation in the modern era. America is back. Praise the Lord,” Kirk wrote on X.

In a follow-up post, Kirk said, “America is the greatest country in the history of the world.”

Mike Johnson says he's 'blessed' to work with 'brother' Steve Scalise

Friday 4 July 2025 23:50 , Rachel Dobkin

The bromance between House Speaker Mike Johnson and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise was on after they helped pass President Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” Thursday.

“Proud of this leadership team! Blessed to work every day with my fellow Louisianan @SpeakerJohnson!” Scalise wrote on X Thursday night.

Johnson responded by writing, “Grateful and blessed to work with you every day, my brother.”

Hakeem Jeffries tells Americans to 'read the Declaration of Independence'

Friday 4 July 2025 23:31 , Rachel Dobkin

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries told Americans earlier Friday to “read the Declaration of Independence.”

Trump hits Mike Johnson's gavel after signing 'big, beautiful bill'

Friday 4 July 2025 23:20 , Rachel Dobkin

President Donald Trump hit Mike Johnson’s gavel after signing his tax and spending bill, which the House Speaker helped get through the finish line.

Chuck Schumer reacts to Trump's bill signing: 'Betrayal'

Friday 4 July 2025 22:55 , Rachel Dobkin

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer responded to the signing of President Donald Trump’s tax and spending bill.

Minutes after Trump signed the bill, Schumer wrote on X, “Trump has always promised over and over and over that he’d have a new healthcare plan for America.

“Today, he showed you his only plan is to rip health care away from you. Betrayal.”

Schumer is one of many Democrats who have criticized the bill over its cuts to Medicaid.

Trump celebrates signing of 'big, beautiful bill'

Friday 4 July 2025 22:51 , Rachel Dobkin

President Donald Trump celebrated the signing of his “big, beautiful bill” at the White House Friday evening.

“Thank you very much everybody,” Trump said after signing the bill. “Happy Fourth of July.”

Donald and Melania Trump ahead of the bill’s signing cermony (REUTERS)

Trump signs 'big, beautiful bill' into law

Friday 4 July 2025 22:48 , Rachel Dobkin

President Donald Trump has signed his “big, beautiful bill” into law on the White House lawn during an Independence Day celebration.

First Lady Melania Trump stands with her husband during White House address

Friday 4 July 2025 22:39 , Rachel Dobkin

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump stood on the balcony of the White House Friday evening during an Independence Day speech.

Melania wore all white as she stood next to her husband while he spoke to America ahead of the signing of his “big, beautiful bill.”

Donald and Melania Trump at the White House on Friday evening (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, Pool)

Trump thanks Congress leadership for passage of 'big, beautiful bill'

Friday 4 July 2025 22:35 , Rachel Dobkin

President Donald Trump thanked Senate Majority Leader John Thune and House Speaker Mike Johnson for their help in passing his tax and spending bill.

“What a job they’ve done,” Trump said.

Trump added, “The people are happy” after the bill’s passage.

The bill passed in the House Thursday in a 218-214 vote, with every Democrat voting against it.

Democrats have criticized the bill over its cuts to Medicaid and SNAP.

Trump opens Independence Day speech

Friday 4 July 2025 22:28 , Rachel Dobkin

President Donald Trump opened his Independence Day speech Friday evening, saying, “God bless the United States military and God bless the U.S.A.”

He told Americans: “I want to wish you a happy Independence Day.”

Trump’s speech comes shortly before he is expected to sign his tax and spending bill into law.

He described his second term as “winning, winning, winning.”

UFC confirms fight at the White House

Friday 4 July 2025 22:10 , Rachel Dobkin

The Ultimate Fighting Championship will host a mixed martial arts fight at the White House, a spokesperson for the promotion tells NBC News.

President Donald Trump announced his plans for the UFC fight to celebrate 250 years of American independence in Iowa Thursday night.

While talking about the special events the country will hold in the year-long countdown to its 250th birthday on July 4, 2026, Trump told a crowd of Iowans, “I even think we’re gonna have a UFC fight.”

“We're gonna have a UFC fight on the grounds of the White House. We have a lot of land there,” he said.

Read more...

Trump to celebrate 250 years of independence with a UFC fight at the White House

Barack Obama's July 4 message: 'America is not the project of any one person'

Friday 4 July 2025 21:49 , Rachel Dobkin

Former President Barack Obama wrote in a July 4 message: “Independence Day is a reminder that America is not the project of any one person.”

“The single most powerful word in our democracy is the word ‘We,’” he told Americans.

White House: 'UNDER PRESIDENT TRUMP, THE AMERICAN SPIRIT IS BACK'

Friday 4 July 2025 20:44 , Mike Bedigan

Soon: Trump to sign his 'Big, Beautiful Bill'

Friday 4 July 2025 20:30 , Mike Bedigan

Donald Trump will soon sign his “Big, Beautiful Bill” into law, finalizing the controversial legislation that is set to provide tax cuts for the wealthy while slashing benefits through Medicaid and food assistance programs.

The bill passed by a thin 218-214 margin Thursday in the House of Representatives with a “big, beautiful signing ceremony” due to take place in the Oval Office at 4 p.m.

The House just passed Donald Trump’s ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill.’ Here’s what that means for you

Friday 4 July 2025 19:50 , Mike Bedigan

The GOP’s budget package is on its way to President Donald Trump’s desk after Speaker Mike Johnson called his colleagues’ bluffs and put the Senate’s package on the floor for a vote Thursday afternoon.

It passed with a thin but steady 218-214 margin after conservatives in the chamber who were upset with changes made to the bill by the Senate folded one last time.

Before its official passage into law – set for 4 p.m. ET – here’s what it might mean for you?

The House just passed Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful Bill.’ Here’s what that means for you

Watch: Trump promises tariffs of up to 70 per cent on dozens of countries

Friday 4 July 2025 19:30 , Mike Bedigan

Republicans slammed online for celebrating children going hungry and millions losing Medicaid from Trump’s bill

Friday 4 July 2025 19:00 , Mike Bedigan

Republicans have been slammed online for their exuberant celebrations over the passage of President Donald Trump’s signature domestic policy bill which will strip health insurance from millions and cut meals for some of America’s poorest children.

The bill was passed by 218 to 214 in a House vote on Thursday, prompting a stir online.

Rhian Lubin has more:

GOP slammed for celebrating children going hungry and Medicaid cuts in Trump’s bill

Trump reveals his secret pet name for Melania: ‘Isn’t it terrible?’

Friday 4 July 2025 18:40 , Mike Bedigan

A jubilant President Donald Trump inadvertently revealed his pet name for his wife Melania Trump during a speech to supporters in Iowa on Thursday, hours after Congress finally passed his “Big, Beautiful Bill.”

Joe Sommerlad has more:

Trump reveals his secret pet name for Melania: ‘Isn’t it terrible?’

Watch: Trump accused of using ‘antisemitic’ slur during Iowa rally

Friday 4 July 2025 18:20 , Mike Bedigan

US is the only country facing tourism decline as Trump policies to cost $29 billion in visitor revenue: study

Friday 4 July 2025 18:11 , Mike Bedigan

Donald Trump’s policies risks alienating millions of international travelers and could cost the U.S. economy billions of dollars due to a sharp drop in tourism, a damning report says.

Amid the president’s immigration crackdown, travel bans and sweeping global tariffs, the U.S. is expected to be the only one out of 184 countries to see foreign visitor spending fall in 2025, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council.

Read more here:

Trump’s policies to cost $29 billion in visitor revenue as tourists spurn the US

JD Vance sends July 4 message from Mt Rushmore

Friday 4 July 2025 17:50 , Mike Bedigan

Trump posts Independence Day greeting on Truth Social

Friday 4 July 2025 17:30 , Mike Bedigan
(@realDonaldTrump)

More outrage over Trump's use of historic antisemitic language

Friday 4 July 2025 17:05 , Mike Bedigan

Friday 4 July 2025 16:42 , Mike Bedigan

The Anti-Defamation League has blasted Donald Trump’s use of a historic antisemitic term during a recent rally as “extremely offensive.”

“The term 'Shylock' evokes a centuries-old antisemitic trope about Jews and greed that is extremely offensive and dangerous. President Trump's use of the term is very troubling and irresponsible,” the ADF wrote on X.

“It underscores how lies and conspiracies about Jews remain deeply entrenched in our country. Words from our leaders matter and we expect more from the President of the United States.”

Trump used the term while delivering a campaign-style speech during the America250 event at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines on Thursday, just hours after the House passed his signature tax-and-spending bill.

Here’s the full story:

Trump accused of using ‘blatant and vile antisemitic slur’ during speech at rally

Trump promotes Newt Gingrich book but admits he hasn't read it

Friday 4 July 2025 16:21 , Mike Bedigan

Trump took to Truth Social to promote a book by Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich.

The president called the book “the talk of D.C.” but admitted he had not yet read it.

“The wonderful Newt Gingrich has just written a book that is the talk of D.C. It's called, ‘TRUMP'S TRIUMPH, America's Greatest Comeback,’” he wrote.

“Word is that it's Fantastic, but I haven't read it yet - I've been a little too busy. When I do I'll let you know what I think, but Newt always does it right!!! BUY A COPY NOW.”

(@realDonaldTrump)

Nearly 40 percent of Americans say they would back Musk’s third party if he creates one, poll finds

Friday 4 July 2025 16:00 , Joe Sommerlad

Such is the extent of disillusionment with the two-party system right now that a whopping 40 percent of survey respondents said they would seriously consider voting for a third party bankrolled by Elon Musk, a prospect he threatened earlier this week.

According to the survey, conducted by Quantus Insights, another 14 percent of voters said they would be “very likely” to support or vote for a political body launched by the Tesla boss while 26 percent said they would be “somewhat likely.”

Another 38 percent said they were not likely to support Musk while the remaining 22 percent replied that they were “unsure.”

Mike Bedigan reports.

Nearly 40 percent of Americans say they would back Musk’s third party, poll finds

Trump set to impose tariffs up to 70 percent on dozens of nations

Friday 4 July 2025 15:40 , Joe Sommerlad

The president is set to resume tariffs of up to 70 percent on dozens of countries as many trade deals have not materialized.

Trump said the White House would be sending out letters, starting Friday, to 10 countries at a time where trade deals are not yet in place, ahead of the July 9 deadline.

Here’s more from Rhian Lubin.

Trump set to impose tariffs up to 70 percent on dozens of nations

Trump to sign off on ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ later today

Friday 4 July 2025 15:20 , Joe Sommerlad

A few more details have emerged about the president’s plan to sign off on his signature tax and spending legislation this afternoon after it was finally shoved through the House of Representatives on Thursday with a 218-214 vote.

According to NewsNation, the signing ceremony will be held at Trump’s July 4 military families picnic on the South Lawn of the White House, beginning at around 4pm ET, with some of the Republicans who helped deliver the bill in attendance.

The picnic will reportedly feature the stealth bombers and fighter jets that participated in the recent airstrikes in Iran flying overhead, make of that what you will.

President Donald Trump signing an executive order in the Oval Office (Getty)

Happy Independence Day from Don Jr

Friday 4 July 2025 15:00 , Joe Sommerlad

Did they have military-grade assault rifles in the 1770s? The president’s son neither knows nor cares.

There’s shades of his old man’s notorious 2019 gaffe recounting how the Continential Army “took over the airports” in this one. He’s certainly a Trump all right.

‘Alligator lives matter’: Trump pal Laura Loomer slammed for saying Florida ‘Alcatraz’ beasts will get ‘65m meals’

Friday 4 July 2025 14:40 , Joe Sommerlad

Far-right activist Laura Loomer has come in for sharp criticism after saying the wild animals surrounding the president’s new immigration detention center in Florida, dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz,” will have “at least 65 million meals.”

Isabel Keane has the reaction.

Laura Loomer slammed for saying ‘Alcatraz’ beasts will get ‘65 million meals’

Even Joe Rogan is blasting Trump’s ICE raids: ‘It’s insane’

Friday 4 July 2025 14:20 , Joe Sommerlad

The Trump administration’s nationwide immigration dragnet is “insane,” according to podcaster Joe Rogan, who endorsed the Republican during the 2024 election.

“We were told there would be no – well, there’s two things that are insane,” Rogan said during an episode of the Joe Rogan Experience released Wednesday featuring Replit CEO Amjad Masad.

“One is the targeting of migrant workers. Not cartel members, not gang members, not drug dealers. Just construction workers. Showing up in construction sites, raiding them. Gardeners. Like, really?”

Rogan has criticized the raids before, calling them “f***ing nuts” during a June show.

Josh Marcus has more.

Even Joe Rogan is blasting Trump’s ICE raids: ‘It’s insane’

Noem fast-tracks construction for water barriers in Texas along Rio Grande to keep migrants from crossing into US

Friday 4 July 2025 14:00 , Joe Sommerlad

In another news, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has fast-tracked construction for about 17 miles worth of floating border barriers in the Rio Grande River in Texas, expanding the rapidly growing Trump administration footprint on the U.S.-Mexico border.

Josh Marcus has the story.

Noem fast-tracks water barriers in Texas to keep migrants from crossing into US

Analysis: Trump’s budget turns the Freedom Caucus back into the Fealty Caucus

Friday 4 July 2025 13:40 , Joe Sommerlad

Republicans of all stripes vowed to hold the line this week and then didn’t.

But the hard-right Freedom Caucus pulled off the biggest retreat of the week, writes John Bowden.

Trump’s budget turns the Freedom Caucus back into the Fealty Caucus

Chris Cuomo continues one-sided feud with AOC by suggests she’s to blame for bill passing

Friday 4 July 2025 13:20 , Joe Sommerlad

The NewsNation anchor continues to take personal swipes at New York Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, this time suggesting that the progressive is to blame for Trump’s Medicaid-slashing megabill passing on Thursday.

Here’s Justin Baragona to try to explain.

Chris Cuomo snipes at AOC, suggests she’s to blame for ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ passing

Transgender people notch rare win in fight over Trump’s Big, Beautiful Bill’

Friday 4 July 2025 13:00 , Joe Sommerlad

Trans Americans received a surprising mini-victory amid the Republican passage of the president’s megabill yesterday when an attempt to restrict gender-affirming care died in the legislative process.

The bill had included language that would have banned Medicaid from covering gender-affirming care for transgender minors.

But in a final deal made to appeal to conservatives, the legislation struck the term “for minors.”

Eric Garcia has more.

Transgender people notch rare win in fight over Trump’s ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill’

Trump’s megabill is an existential crisis for food pantries: ‘People are going to suffer’

Friday 4 July 2025 12:40 , Joe Sommerlad

Charitable operations across the United States fear for their survival and ability to feed communities under Republican-led cuts to SNAP, Alex Woodward reports.

Food pantries are bracing for Trump’s megabill: ‘People are going to suffer’

What the ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ means for American citizens

Friday 4 July 2025 12:20 , Joe Sommerlad

From tax cuts for the wealthy to the slashing of Medicaid and SNAP, the legislation provides plenty of ammunition for Trump’s political priorities.

Here’s John Bowden’s report on its likely impact.

The House just passed Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful Bill.’ Here’s what that means for you

Recap: House Republicans give Trump a ‘Big Beautiful’ July 4 by passing Medicaid-slashing megabill despite GOP rift

Friday 4 July 2025 12:00 , Joe Sommerlad

Let’s take a look back at yesterday’s seismic events.

The House of Representatives on Thursday passed Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill,” which features sweeping cuts to Medicaid and nutrition assistance programs, after a whirlwind 24 hours of last-minute arm twisting of holdout Republicans – and a record-breaking floor speech from Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries.

The final vote was a narrow margin of 218-214, with every Democrat and two Republicans – Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie and Pennsylvania Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick – voting against the measure.

Here’s Eric Garcia and Andrew Feinberg with a full report.

House gives Trump ‘Big Beautiful’ July 4 as it passes Medicaid-slashing spending bill

Trump reveals his secret pet name for Melania: ‘Isn’t it terrible?’

Friday 4 July 2025 11:40 , Joe Sommerlad

The president also inadvertently revealed his private nickname for his wife during yesterday’s address, doing so, oddly, in the middle of a “weave” about military recruitment.

Here’s more.

Trump reveals his secret pet name for Melania: ‘Isn’t it terrible?’

Trump plans to celebrate 250 years of independence with a UFC fight at the White House

Friday 4 July 2025 11:15 , Joe Sommerlad

Here’s a little more from Iowa, where the president last night announced his plans for a UFC fight at the White House to celebrate 250 years of American independence.

While talking about the special events the country will hold in the year-long countdown to its 250th birthday on July 4 2026, Trump told his audience: “I even think we’re gonna have a UFC fight.

“We're gonna have a UFC fight on the grounds of the White House. We have a lot of land there.”

Trump said it will be “a championship fight, full fight, like 20-25,000 people.”

No comment.

Here’s more from Rachel Dobkin.

Trump to celebrate 250 years of independence with a UFC fight at the White House

Voices: Right now, Trump can do no wrong – except in Washington

Friday 4 July 2025 10:55 , Joe Sommerlad

From his perspective, the “Big, Beautiful Bill” passing into law is the crowning achievement of the president’s first six months in the White House, a time marked by more wins than losses.

But, says Mary Dejevsky, the U.S. capital remains baffled by the president’s ability to get what he wants – and his enduring popularity in the country at large.

Right now, Trump can do no wrong – except in Washington DC

‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ reaction: ‘The Republican Party just pulled the plug on a whole public health ecosystem’

Friday 4 July 2025 10:30 , Joe Sommerlad

Yesterday was a strange old day on Capitol Hill…

Maryland Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin spoke for many in expressing his dismay about what the GOP have just enacted, Speaker Johnson declared it all a triumph and said Hakeem Jeffries had made a fool of himself and Kentucky Rep. James Comer insisted Medicaid is a hot bed of fraud.

But perhaps this is the clip the day deserves to be remembered for:

Nationwide July 4 ‘Free America’ protests look to upstage bill signing

Friday 4 July 2025 10:05 , Joe Sommerlad

As many as 4 million Americans are set to hit the streets this Independence Day to protest against the Trump administration, with the Women’s March organization holding 140 events in cities across the United States.

The group’s “Free America Weekend” seeks to draw attention to such hot button issues as poverty, unlawful orders and “the grip of hate and the politics of fear.”

“This July 4th, while the U.S. marks Independence Day, we’ll gather across the country – on porches, in town squares, backyards, and streets – to stand for real freedom and build a vision of a Free America, brick-by-brick,” the Women’s March states on its website.

“They want us scared, divided, and alone. They don’t want us to dream about freedom. But that’s exactly what we have to do.”

There will also be “No Kings 2.0” demonstrations taking place, following on from the marches and rallies held on June 14 to coincide with Trump’s lavish D.C. military parade and stand up to authoritarianism.

A protest is also being held outside Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home in Palm Beach, Florida, organized by locals.

“We’re supposed to be celebrating America’s independence, and I felt a moral responsibility to stand up and declare our independence from Trump-ism,” activist Mark Offerman told The Palm Beach Daily News.

The ‘No Kings’ protest in Los Angeles, California, on June 14 2025 (Getty)

Trump congratulates Capitol Hill allies over ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ on Truth Social

Friday 4 July 2025 09:45 , Joe Sommerlad

On the way home from Des Moines, the president appeared to be celebrating his legislative win long into the night, posting this expression of amazement in the wee hours of the morning and clearly in too good a mood to threaten to unseat rebel Republicans Thomas Massie and Brian Fitzpatrick.

I’m sure he’ll get around to that later.

He has said nothing about Independence Day so far but we can expect his warm wishes later, maybe even extended to all the “haters and losers” out there.

Instead, he’s been busy posting positive press clippings.

There was also this beaming praise for his cabinet and individual posts thanking congressional leaders John Thune, Mike Johnson and Steve Scalise as well as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent one after another.

President accused of using ‘blatant and vile antisemitic slur’ in rally speech

Friday 4 July 2025 09:25 , Joe Sommerlad

The evening’s most controversial clip, however, was the following:

Here’s more from James Liddell.

Trump accused of using ‘blatant and vile antisemitic slur’ during speech at rally

Jubilant Trump takes victory lap in Iowa

Friday 4 July 2025 09:09 , Joe Sommerlad

President Donald Trump celebrated in Des Moines on Thursday night with a “Salute to America” address on the eve of the country’s 250th birthday after his contentious “Big, Beautiful Bill” finally passed the House of Representatives earlier in the day, boasting: “We’re the hottest in the world.”

Trump called the bill’s passage “a declaration of independence from a really national decline,” insisting: “We had a national decline. We were a laughingstock all over the world. We had a man as president who shouldn’t have been there.”

He also told his audience that he “hates” Democrats.

“All of the things we did with the tax cuts and rebuilding our military, not one Democrat voted for us. And I think we use it in the campaign that’s coming up, the midterms,” he said.

“But all of the things that we’ve given, and they wouldn’t vote. Only because they hate Trump. But I hate them, too. You know that? I really do, I hate them. I cannot stand them because I really believe they hate our country, you want to know the truth.”

He had plenty of other things to say – on Iran, immigration, Zohran Mamdani, the economy and Los Angeles:

What you need to know

Friday 4 July 2025 08:45 , Joe Sommerlad
  • President Donald Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” finally passed the House of Representatives on Thursday, with members of Congress voting 218-214 in favor of the tax and spending legislation after months of haggling.
  • Just two Republicans, Thomas Massie and Brian Fitzpatrick, broke ranks to side with opposition Democrats, despite much grandstanding beforehand from the hard-right House Freedom Caucus.
  • The final floor vote was delayed by almost nine hours because of a record-breaking speech from House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who took his “sweet time” to outline his party’s disgust at a bill he called “shameful” and a “disgusting abomination,” reading aloud letters from voters who warned they would suffer severe personal hardships because of its passage.
  • Trump’s gargantuan bill is designed to boost defense and border security funding at the expense of the public safety net – and is forecast to add $3.3 trillion to the national debt while kicking off millions of people off Medicaid and food stamps.
  • A jubilant Trump celebrated his victory in Congress by delivering a “Salute to America” speech in Des Moines, Iowa, on Thursday night as he kicked off the year-long celebration of America’s 250th birthday.
  • He is now expected to sign the bill into law at a ceremony at the White House at 5pm ET on Friday to mark Independence Day, although “Free America” protests being held in cities across the nation threaten to upstage him.

ICYMI: Hakeem Jeffries breaks House record with 8-hour speech

Friday 4 July 2025 06:00 , Rachel Dobkin

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries broke a record for the longest ever “magic minute” speech on the House floor earlier Thursday when he spoke for eight hours and 32 minutes.

During his speech, he criticized the opposition for betraying “everyday Americans” by slashing Medicaid in President Donald Trump’s tax and spending bill.

Jeffries shared a clip of his speech on X and captioned it “Good Trouble.”

ANALYSIS: Trump’s budget turns the Freedom Caucus back into the Fealty Caucus

Friday 4 July 2025 05:30 , Rachel Dobkin

John Bowden writes:

Hardline conservatives in the House Freedom Caucus looked more like members of the Fealty Caucus on Thursday after a rebellion among the party’s spending hawks melted away in the final hours and the House passed the legislation known as the “One Big, Beautiful Bill Act” on Thursday.

President Donald Trump wins, while just about every wing of the GOP congressional caucuses suffered an embarrassment in some form or another (except maybe the leadership).

The Freedom Caucus was the last faction to face down its foe and blink. The group’s members circulated a three-page memo to members of the GOP caucus over Wednesday decrying the Senate-passed version of “One Big, Beautiful Bill” as a betrayal of the framework Speaker Mike Johnson had agreed to.

It was an all-encompassing retreat. Rep. Ralph Norman left the White House this week with a three-point plan he said GOP leaders could implement to get his vote to a “yes”. He received none of those concessions — no one did, as the House passed the version of the bill sent back from the Senate. Amending the bill in any way would have sent it back to the Senate before it reached Trump’s desk, endangering the July 4 deadline that members in both chambers blasted as arbitrary.

Read more..

Trump’s budget turns the Freedom Caucus back into the Fealty Caucus

WATCH: Chants of ‘USA’ ring out in House as Trump’s bill passes

Friday 4 July 2025 05:00 , Rachel Dobkin

President Donald Trump’s tax and spending bill passed the House earlier Thursday, prompting chants of “USA” in the lower chamber.

Watch here:

Chants of ‘USA’ ring out in House as Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ passes

Trump is traveling back to D.C.

Friday 4 July 2025 04:40 , Rachel Dobkin

President Donald Trump said he’s traveling back to Washington, D.C.

“I’m on Air Force One, traveling back to Washington from the Great State of Iowa, with many of our wonderful and talented Cabinet Secretaries, including Kristi Noem, Doug Burgum, Brooke Rollins, Lee Zeldin, and others in the Administration like Steve Miller, James Blair, SUPERSTAR Karoline Leavitt, and the legendary, first female Chief of Staff, Susie Wiles, etc.,” Trump wrote on Truth Social late Thursday night.

Recap: Trump's Iowa speech

Friday 4 July 2025 04:36 , Rachel Dobkin

President Donald Trump gave a speech in Des Moines, Iowa, on Thursday night as he kicked off the year-long celebration of America’s 250th birthday and celebrated the passage of his “big, beautiful bill.”

The crowd cheered as Trump listed the accomplishments of his bill.

Trump said his bill provides the “largest tax cut in American history” and boasted about the billions in funding it allocates toward border security to help with his massive deportation plan.

He also suggested he would soften his immigration crackdown on farms, saying, “We want the farms to be great.” Iowa is a big agricultural state.

President Donald Trump gave a speech in Des Moines, Iowa Thursday night (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

Trump railed against congressional Democrats, saying they voted against his bill “only because they hate Trump.”

“But I hate them too...I cannot stand them because I really believe they hate our country,” he said.

Democrats strongly opposed Trump’s bill over its cuts to Medicaid and SNAP.

Trump ended his speech by saying he’s “very proud to be American” and called Iowa “such a great place.”

Trump plans to hold a signing ceremony Friday afternoon after the House narrowly approved the sweeping tax and immigration bill ahead of his July 4 deadline.

Recap: What you need to know...

Friday 4 July 2025 04:33 , Mike Bedigan
  • President Donald Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” headed back to the House of Representatives for further consideration after narrowly passing the Senate on Tuesday.
  • The Senate vote required a tie-breaking intervention from Vice President JD Vance after three Republican senators opposed the legislation, resulting in a 50-50 split.
  • After a long night of haggling with the holdouts, the bill passed a key procedural House vote, paving the way for a floor vote on Thursday.
  • House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries made himself a final barrier to a last round of votes by speaking as long as he could on the House floor in a potentially record-breaking “magic minute” speech.
  • The House passed Trump’s bill on Thursday in a 218-214 vote, with just two Republicans included in the latter total
  • Trump’s extensive tax and spending bill is designed to boost defense and border security funding at the expense of public safety net — and is forecast to add $3.3 trillion to the national debt while kicking off millions of people off Medicaid and food stamps.
  • The president gave a speech in Des Moines, Iowa, on Thursday night as he kicked off the year-long celebration of America’s 250th birthday and celebrated the passage of his bill.
  • Trump is expected to sign the bill into law on Friday to mark Independence Day.

Trump plans to celebrate 250 years of independence with a UFC fight at the White House

Friday 4 July 2025 04:30 , Rachel Dobkin

President Donald Trump has announced his plans for a UFC fight at the White House to celebrate 250 years of American independence.

While talking about the special events the country will hold in the year-long countdown to its 250th birthday on July 4, 2026, Trump told a crowd of Iowans Thursday night, “I even think we’re gonna have a UFC fight.”

“We're gonna have a UFC fight on the grounds of the White House. We have a lot of land there,” he said. The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is an American mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion.

Trump said it will be “a championship fight, full fight, like 20-25,000 people.”

Read more...

Trump to celebrate 250 years of independence with a UFC fight at the White House

What does Trump's 'big, beautiful bill' mean for you?

Friday 4 July 2025 04:10 , Rachel Dobkin

President Donald Trump will sign his “big, beautiful bill” into law Friday afternoon. Here’s what the legislation means for you:

Tax cuts for the wealthy

At its core, the package's priority is $4.5 trillion in tax breaks enacted in 2017 during Trump's first term that would expire if Congress failed to act, along with new ones. That includes allowing workers to deduct tips and overtime pay, and a $6,000 deduction for most older adults earning less than $75,000 a year.

Cuts to Medicaid and SNAP

Somebody’s gotta pay for all of this — or at least part of it. That’s where Medicaid and SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, come in.

Americans on Medicaid will need to complete new reporting requirements and paperwork. Individual eligibility checks will still be handled by state-level agencies, which will set their own guidelines for determining whether recipients are in compliance. SNAP benefits will now be withheld from adults with children who do not return to work, if their youngest child is 14 years or older.

ICE and mass deportation boost

The bill delivers an absolutely massive increase in funding meant to transform the size and scope of immigration enforcement in the United States.

Among the provisions: $46.6 billion for completion of the border fencing Trump demanded during his first term; $29.9 billion for ICE enforcement operations including the hiring of up to 10,000 new agents; $45 billion for the construction of new detention facilities.

Read more from John Bowden...

The House just passed Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful Bill.’ Here’s what that means for you

ICYMI: Transgender people got a mini-victory in 'big, beautiful bill'

Friday 4 July 2025 03:50 , Rachel Dobkin

Transgender Americans received a surprising mini-victory amid the Republican passage of President Donald Trump’s “One Big, Beautiful Bill” when an attempt to restrict gender-affirming care died in the legislative process.

Rep. Sarah McBride of Delaware, the first openly transgender member of Congress, told The Independent, “I think there are a lot of people who are rightfully relieved.”

Eric Garcia has the full story:

Transgender people notch rare win in fight over Trump’s ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill’

Pete Buttigieg rips into Republicans who passed Trump's bill: 'They deserve to lose power'

Friday 4 July 2025 03:35 , Rachel Dobkin

Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg ripped into Republicans who passed President Donald Trump’s tax and spending bill, saying, “They deserve to lose power.”

“Every Republican who promised their constituents they would never cut Medicaid - and broke that promise today - was lying the whole time,” Buttigieg wrote on X Thursday night.

Trump’s bill extends his 2017 tax cuts while making cuts to Medicaid, a low-income healthcare program that millions of Americans rely on.

Trump railed against Democrats in Iowa speech: 'I hate them'

Friday 4 July 2025 03:05 , Rachel Dobkin

President Donald Trump said in his Iowa speech Thursday night Democrats in Congress voted against his tax and spending bill “only because they hate Trump.”

“But I hate them too...I cannot stand them because I really believe they hate our country,” Trump said.

Democrats strongly opposed Trump’s bill over its cuts to Medicaid and SNAP.

“Republicans are betraying the middle class and raising costs on American families, all to pay for giveaways to Trump's billionaire donors,” House Budget Committee Democrats wrote online.

Trump boasts about border security funding

Friday 4 July 2025 01:35 , Rachel Dobkin

President Donald Trump boasted about the billions in funding that his bill allocates toward border security to help with his immigration crackdown.

He said there was“some horrible crime in Iowa caused by illegal aliens.”

Trump says there's 'no death tax' anymore

Friday 4 July 2025 01:33 , Rachel Dobkin

President Donald Trump boasted about eliminating estate taxes, or what he calls “death” taxes.

“You have no more estate tax. You have no more death tax to pay,” he said, now that his tax and spending bill has passed.

Trump says bill's tax cut is historical

Friday 4 July 2025 01:28 , Rachel Dobkin

President Donald Trump said his tax and spending bill provides the “largest tax cut in American history.”

Trump boasts about winning Iowa 'three times'

Friday 4 July 2025 01:26 , Rachel Dobkin

President Donald Trump started his speech by boasting about winning Iowa “three times.”

“There could be no better birthday present for America” than the passage of Trump’s tax and spending bill, he said.

Trump walks on stage in Iowa

Friday 4 July 2025 01:23 , Rachel Dobkin

President Donald Trump walks on stage to the song “God Bless the U.S.A.” before delivering remarks in Iowa Thursday night.

He is seen dancing while wearing a red U.S.A. hat.

Mike Johnson calls Hakeem Jeffries 8-hour speech 'performance art'

Friday 4 July 2025 01:20 , Rachel Dobkin

House Speaker Mike Johnson called House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries’ eight-hour and 32-minute speech “performance art” on Fox News Thursday night.

Jeffries broke a record for the longest ever “magic minute” speech on the House floor earlier Thursday, during which he criticized the opposition for betraying “everyday Americans” by slashing Medicaid in President Donald Trump’s tax and spending bill.

In response, Johnson, who helped get Trump’s bill passed, said Jeffries “embarrassed his party,” calling his speech “performance art. And what Republicans are doing is delivering results.”

ICYMI: Mike Johnson signs Trump's 'big, beautiful bill'

Friday 4 July 2025 01:10 , Rachel Dobkin

House Speaker Mike Johnson signed President Donald Trump’s tax and spending bill earlier Thursday after it passed in a 218-214 vote.

Trump is set to sign the bill into law on Friday.

Rep. Robert Garcia says Trump's bill is all about 'games'

Friday 4 July 2025 01:00 , Rachel Dobkin

Representative Robert Garcia, a California Democrat, ripped into President Donald Trump’s tax bill, calling its provisions “games.”

A key part of Trump’s bill is eliminating taxes on tipped income, but Garcia told Meidas Touch’s Katie Phang, “Those actually expire in a couple of years, yet the tax cuts for billionaires are permanent.”

“So it just goes to show you that this is all about games,” he added.

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