Trump Touts Tax Cuts at Pre-July 4th Rally

At an Iowa rally, Donald Trump turned what was supposed to be a celebration of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States into a showcase for himself, praising newly-approved tax cut legislation.

Celebrating a Legislative “Victory”

On the eve of Independence Day, Trump declared, “there could be no better birthday present for America than the phenomenal victory we achieved just hours ago, when Congress passed the one big beautiful bill to make America great again.” He intends to sign the bill at a White House picnic accompanied by a flyover of stealth bombers.

Trump boasted after taking the stage, pumping his fists as his campaign anthem played. In addition to tax breaks, the approved legislation will increase funding for deportations, while simultaneously reducing healthcare and food assistance for low-income individuals.

America250 Launch

The event held at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines marked the kickoff of a year-long celebration leading up to the 250th anniversary of American independence. Next summer, the commemoration will culminate in a large fair on the National Mall in Washington, featuring exhibits from every state.

Organizers hope that the upcoming year of events will unite a divided nation and bridge political gaps. However, during his speech, Trump asserted that patriotism is linked to his own agenda, claiming that Democrats who opposed the legislation “hate our country.”

Political Undertones

According to a Pew Research Center study, partisan animosity is higher than at any point in the last two decades, with Republicans and Democrats holding increasingly negative views of one another (Pew Research Center 2024).

Monica Crowley, the U.S. Ambassador and Trump’s liaison to the America250 organizing group, stated that the anniversary events are “something that I think that all Americans can come together to celebrate and honor our history as well as our present and our future.” However, when she introduced the former president, she lauded Trump as a modern-day revolutionary.

Crowley added, “I don’t know what more people expect or want from an American president. He is literally fulfilling the entire job description, and so much more.”

Security Concerns

Thousands of spectators braved high temperatures to see Trump. The crowd displayed a variety of Trump-themed merchandise. During the speech, sounds similar to fireworks were heard, evoking memories of his attempted assassination. Trump responded, “It’s only fireworks, I hope. Famous last words.” Unlike a year prior, he spoke from behind bulletproof glass.

“You always have to think positive,” he said. “I didn’t like that sound either.” However, this reminder did not diminish Trump’s enthusiasm. He talked about U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, falling egg prices, fewer migrants at the border, and his past election wins.

Looking Ahead

“We got great marks in the first term, and this is going to blow it away,” Trump said. He mentioned that he calls his wife Melania “first lady” because “it reminds me that I’m president.”

Trump also announced plans for the “Patriot Games,” a sporting event for high school athletes, and suggested hosting UFC matches at the White House.

This year, budget cuts have complicated the anniversary celebrations. The National Endowment for the Humanities informed state humanities councils that their federal grants had been terminated. These councils had allocated funds for anniversary events at local institutions.

Gabrielle Lyon, executive director of Illinois Humanities and chair of the Illinois America 250 Commission, said the cuts have already impacted programs, including community readings of the Declaration of Independence.

Lyon stated, “It is very hard to understand how we can protect and preserve people’s ability locally to make this mean something for them, and to celebrate what they want to celebrate, if you’re not funding the humanities councils.”