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.”
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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:
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.
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:
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 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:
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.
THE ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL IS NOW OFFICIALLY THE LAW OF THE LAND! pic.twitter.com/mOpYN0tiZ0
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) July 4, 2025
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.
Today is about freedom. It’s about liberty. It’s about who we are. 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… pic.twitter.com/sWmdc7N0a1
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 4, 2025
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.
A year ago today our country was suffocating under Biden.
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) July 4, 2025
Today, Trump signs the most transformative piece of legislation in the modern era.
America is back
Praise the Lord
In a follow-up post, Kirk said, “America is the greatest country in the history of the world.”
America is the greatest country in the history of the world.
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) July 4, 2025
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.”
Grateful and blessed to work with you every day, my brother. https://t.co/0rHW2FDjb3
— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) July 4, 2025
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.”
Take some time to read the Declaration of Independence today.
— Hakeem Jeffries (@RepJeffries) July 4, 2025
It has a lot to teach us about this moment in America.
Happy 4th of July pic.twitter.com/Jtwd1Forv9
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.
Speaker Mike Johnson hands over his gavel to President Trump pic.twitter.com/Q0ZnnQ2yGr
— Acyn (@Acyn) July 4, 2025
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.
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.
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.’ ‘We The People.’ ‘We Shall Overcome.’ ‘Yes We Can.’ America is owned by no one. It belongs to all citizens. And at this moment in…
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) July 4, 2025
White House: 'UNDER PRESIDENT TRUMP, THE AMERICAN SPIRIT IS BACK'
Friday 4 July 2025 20:44
,
Mike Bedigan
On this Independence Day, we honor the courage of our Founding Fathers, the patriots who forged our freedom, & the heroes who’ve defended it for 249 years.
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 4, 2025
UNDER PRESIDENT TRUMP, THE AMERICAN SPIRIT IS BACK — BOLD, PROUD, AND FREE.
Happy 4th of July from the White House. pic.twitter.com/aed1Zjl0aT
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?
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:
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:
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:
JD Vance sends July 4 message from Mt Rushmore
Friday 4 July 2025 17:50
,
Mike Bedigan
Usha and I brought the kids to Mt. Rushmore yesterday as we all get ready to celebrate Independence Day.
— JD Vance (@JDVance) July 4, 2025
Today, we're also celebrating passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill, which will increase take home pay for families all across America.
Happy Fourth of July everyone! pic.twitter.com/6yW01GoYNJ
Trump posts Independence Day greeting on Truth Social
Friday 4 July 2025 17:30
,
Mike Bedigan
More outrage over Trump's use of historic antisemitic language
Friday 4 July 2025 17:05
,
Mike Bedigan
Shylock? This miserable SOB just used the antisemitic term in his speech. There is no context that will make that ok. If you don't condemn him, and you are Jewish, then your sellout is complete. https://t.co/hcGy0u7aq5
— Fred Guttenberg (@fred_guttenberg) July 4, 2025
Shylock is among the most quintessential antisemitic stereotypes. This is not an accident. It follows years in which Trump has normalized antisemitic tropes and conspiracy theories — and it’s deeply dangerous. https://t.co/unuY4poqod
— Amy Spitalnick (@amyspitalnick) July 4, 2025
Uh….
— WeaselSec™️ (@WeaselSec) July 4, 2025
Is anyone?
Is anyone gonna point out that it’s 2025 and “Shylock” in this context is almost exclusively used as an antisemitic slur?
I promise you it’s not because he’s a well-read fan of Shakespeare. https://t.co/9XEqTJDNn8
Imagine the reaction if Mamdani used the term "shylock" https://t.co/HU2b7e3cUb
— David Grossman (@davidgross_man) July 4, 2025
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 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.”
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.
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 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.
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.
Happy Birthday America pic.twitter.com/kaeYmywM9N
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) July 4, 2025
‘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.
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.
