On the eve of Independence Day, former President Donald Trump kicked off a year-long celebration marking the 250th anniversary of America’s founding with a triumphant victory lap in Des Moines, Iowa.
The event, titled “Salute to America,” not only honored the nation’s heritage but also showcased Trump’s major legislative accomplishment—the passage of the monumental tax and spending bill that has come to symbolize the bold, transformative vision he laid out during his presidency.
The bill, affectionately referred to as the “Big Beautiful Bill,” was passed through Congress with limited bipartisan support, a testament to the president’s unyielding focus on America’s interests and his determination to deliver on his campaign promises.
Trump’s remarks at the event were a mixture of self-congratulation, humor, and the hard truths he has always been known for. His victory speech highlighted the success of his legislative achievements, particularly the passage of the tax cuts, military spending increases, and border security provisions that were the hallmark of his agenda.
It was a powerful demonstration of his leadership in the face of staunch opposition, particularly from the Democratic Party, who stood firmly against the bill despite its far-reaching benefits for the American people.
Trump’s speech in Iowa offered a much-needed opportunity for the president to bask in the success of a bill that encapsulates his economic vision for the United States.
The Big Beautiful Bill, which passed both the House and Senate after months of intense negotiations, marks a massive victory for the president and his administration.
With an eye toward securing his place in history, Trump used the event to tout some of the most important provisions of the bill, which he described as a “declaration of independence” from the national decline experienced under previous administrations.
The bill includes a major extension of the tax cuts that Trump first signed into law in 2017, ensuring that they remain in place for the long term and providing much-needed relief to the American people.
It also includes provisions that eliminate some taxes on tipped wages, a measure that was met with cheers from the Iowa crowd. These tax cuts, which Trump promised would be a central part of his economic agenda, are poised to further fuel the nation’s economic growth, putting more money in the pockets of working Americans and businesses alike.
However, the bill goes beyond tax cuts. It provides a substantial $150 billion increase in funding for the construction of the border wall and other immigration enforcement measures, which have been a cornerstone of Trump’s presidency.
The bill also allocates $150 billion in new defense spending, with a focus on military priorities such as shipbuilding and missile defense programs. These investments are a direct response to the growing global threats facing the United States and reflect Trump’s commitment to ensuring that America remains strong both domestically and internationally.
Despite the bill’s broad support among Republican lawmakers, it has faced significant opposition from Democrats, who have seized on provisions that cut funding for low-income health and nutrition programs.
These cuts, designed to offset the revenue loss from the tax cuts, are expected to affect millions of Americans, raising concerns about the impact on vulnerable populations.
Nevertheless, Trump defended the bill, calling it a necessary step toward securing America’s future and breaking free from the policies of the past. He criticized the previous administration for presiding over what he described as “a national decline” and a “laughingstock” on the world stage, contrasting his own approach to governance with the failures of his predecessors.
One of the most striking moments of Trump’s speech came when he turned his attention to the Democratic Party. Known for his combative rhetoric, the former president didn’t hold back in his condemnation of Democrats who voted against his reconciliation package.
“All of the things we did with the tax cuts and rebuilding our military, not one Democrat voted for us,” Trump declared. “But all of the things that we’ve given, and they wouldn’t vote. Only because they hate Trump.”
Trump’s words echoed his long-standing animosity toward the Democratic Party, a sentiment he has made no secret of throughout his political career. His blunt language—“I hate them, too” and “I cannot stand them because I really believe they hate our country”—was met with applause from the crowd.
While many critics have accused Trump of using divisive language, his supporters view his candidness as a refreshing departure from the polished rhetoric of typical politicians.
To them, Trump’s willingness to speak his mind and confront his political opponents head-on is a sign of his authenticity and commitment to fighting for the American people, no matter the cost.
The president’s remarks about his political opponents were not just about frustration; they were also about setting the stage for the upcoming election cycle.
As he gears up for a potential second term, Trump is preparing to use the Democrats’ opposition to his legislative successes as a key talking point in his campaign. He framed the bill’s passage as a testament to the strength of his agenda and a challenge to those who continue to stand in his way.
Trump also took time during his remarks to discuss his foreign policy achievements, particularly his handling of Iran. In a speech filled with bold claims and even bolder humor, Trump mocked Iran’s response to U.S. strikes on its nuclear facilities last month.
The U.S. launched precision strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, and Trump seemed to relish in recounting the story of how Iran responded with missile attacks on a U.S. military base in Qatar.
“They were nice enough—this is Iran—to call me and tell me that they would like to shoot at me 14 times,” Trump quipped. “So, they want to shoot us, and I said go ahead, and they shot 14 high-grade, very fast missiles. Every single one of them was shot down routinely.”
This exchange of missiles, while serious, was presented by Trump in a humorous light, demonstrating his confidence in the U.S. military’s capabilities. He also expressed a willingness to engage diplomatically with Iran if necessary, signaling his openness to negotiations.
“I think they want to meet. I know they want to meet,” Trump said, further solidifying his reputation as a leader willing to take action when necessary but also open to dialogue when it serves America’s interests.
Trump’s remarks also touched on a sensitive issue within his administration: immigration. In particular, the president acknowledged the difficulties farmers face in securing labor, as many rely on undocumented workers to harvest crops and maintain operations.
Throughout his presidency, Trump has been a vocal advocate for strict immigration enforcement, but on Thursday, he signaled a willingness to make exceptions for farmers facing labor shortages.
“We want all the criminals out, everybody agrees. The farmers, some of the farmers… they’ve had people working for them for years, and we’re going to do something,” Trump said.
He indicated that farmers who are willing to vouch for their workers could potentially avoid deportation, a decision that would balance the needs of the agricultural industry with the president’s commitment to securing the border.
This comment illustrated Trump’s pragmatic approach to immigration, showing his willingness to listen to the needs of key industries while staying true to his core principles. It also highlighted his ability to work with stakeholders across various sectors to ensure that America’s economy remains strong and competitive.
As Trump’s speech came to a close, a fireworks display in the distance prompted a brief flashback for the president. On July 13, the anniversary of the campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where Trump survived an assassination attempt, Trump took a lighthearted moment to reflect on the past year.
“It’s only fireworks, I hope. Famous last words,” he joked, before adding, “You always have to think positive.” This remark, though playful, showed that despite the challenges and threats Trump has faced, he remains resolute in his commitment to continue fighting for the American people.
As President Trump prepares to sign the Big Beautiful Bill into law, his victory lap in Iowa was a moment of celebration and reflection on the accomplishments of his presidency.
With key legislative victories, a strong stance on national security, and a firm commitment to his supporters, Trump has once again demonstrated his unique ability to connect with the American people and deliver results.
As the 250th anniversary of America’s founding approaches, Trump’s leadership and vision continue to shape the future of the nation, with the promise of more victories to come.
