President Donald Trump’s so-called “big beautiful bill” was signed into law on July 4, 2025. The law, that just barely passed through the legislative branch, will make tax cuts seen in Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act permanent, while also increasing spending for security, defense and energy.
The administration claims it will be paid for by the significant cuts to healthcare and nutrition programs, like Medicaid and SNAP, that are in the new legislation, but the Congressional Budget Office estimates it will still eventually add $3.4 billion to federal deficits.
While the 887-page bill was in the voting process, it received national attention, with many Americans disapproving. It is estimated that only 29% of the nation approve of the bill, and Trump’s presidential approval rating now stands at -7 points, a decrease from -3 from the week before.
It is clear that a majority of Americans are not happy. Many are fearful of the decrease in funding for healthcare, food assistance, student loans and energy programs, especially when the law delivers tax cuts favoring corporations and the wealthy. People are concerned that this will increase inequality and strip millions of essential services – not to mention the projected increase in national debt. Trump may see this as a big, beautiful win, but it may just come back to haunt him.
The 2026 midterm elections, which will decide what party has control over Congress, are quickly approaching. Republican politicians have largely supported Trump as president (perhaps with fear of repercussions), but with his approval rating plummeting, will they continue to support their party leader? Possibly yes, possibly no. Either way, it is a chance for Democrats to step in and take control of Congress.
Democratic nominees for the House and Senate may be able to capitalize on this public scrutiny of the law. If they are able to run a campaign that focuses on fighting some of the legislation the law includes, they might just be able to beat out their Republican opponent.
This midterm election cycle will be very telling. We may see Republicans abandoning Trump’s policy in order to appeal more to citizens. Or maybe, Democrats will be able to secure a win once again. But there is no denying that the shape of politics in the US will be reshaped by the “big beautiful bill.”
