By T.L. Reigns

The Scoop Digital Newspaper: July 2025

In May 2025, President Donald Trump’s cornerstone legislative effort, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1) passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a razor-thin margin, setting off a wave of political and economic debate. 

This sprawling bill, exceeding 1,000 pages, proposes sweeping changes to federal tax policy, entitlement programs, environmental funding, and national defense.

The bill, which Trump has called “the most beautiful piece of legislation in history,” seeks to permanently extend the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions. Key changes include reducing individual income tax rates, expanding the standard deduction, raising the child tax credit to $2,500, and introducing tax exemptions for tips and overtime wages. 

The bill also raises the SALT (state and local tax) deduction cap to $30,000–$40,000, aimed at winning support from high-income coastal districts.

However, fiscal watchdogs and economists warn that these cuts come at a steep price. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the bill would increase the federal deficit by at least $2.4 trillion over ten years, contradicting Republican claims that it would reduce long-term spending. 

Trump’s administration counters by citing mandatory savings and projected GDP growth, estimating a $6.6 trillion deficit reduction when accounting for economic expansion.

One of the bill’s most controversial elements is its rollback of social safety net programs. It imposes stricter work requirements for Medicaid, SNAP (food stamps), and other welfare programs, which could potentially impact over 7 million low-income Americans. 

Additionally, it defunds Planned Parenthood, phases out federal student loan forgiveness initiatives, and eliminates key green energy and electric vehicle tax credits, prompting fierce opposition from Democrats and environmental groups.

Another major component is a national security boost. The bill allocates over $140 billion toward border enforcement, military modernization, and missile defense systems, including a $25 billion fund for nuclear deterrence expansion. 

These measures were included to rally GOP support and fulfill campaign promises of “peace through strength.”

Public response has been sharply divided. Proponents applaud the bill as a bold economic reset that rewards work, reduces government dependency, and stimulates investment. Critics call it a “reverse Robin Hood” measure, delivering tax breaks to the wealthy while cutting aid to the vulnerable.

Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, who had initially supported Trump’s economic vision, publicly turned against the bill. Musk criticized it as “disgusting pork spending” and claimed it would destroy innovation by gutting EV incentives. 

His opposition culminated in a public feud with Trump, which drew national attention and shook markets.

With the bill now awaiting Senate review, its fate remains uncertain. Some Senate Republicans have expressed concern about deficit projections and social program cuts. If passed, the bill could reshape the U.S. economy and social contract for decades.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act encapsulates Trump’s vision for America: lower taxes, less regulation, more work requirements, and a stronger military. Whether that vision becomes law depends on the political calculus in the Senate, and the public’s reaction to its sweeping implications.

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The Scoop Digital Newspaper
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