Donald Trump promised he wouldn’t balloon America’s debt if re-elected. But his much-hyped “Big Beautiful Bill” — his first major policy push in his second term — is doing just that… and then some.
The bill proposes sweeping tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations while gutting support for food stamps and Medicaid, which helps low-income Americans access healthcare. The result? A windfall for billionaires while tens of millions of struggling families brace for cuts. And to make it all “work,” the US government will need to borrow even more, adding an estimated $3.3 trillion to the national debt. That’s on top of a debt load already over 120% of GDP (SA sits at around 75%).
Even Elon Musk has repeatedly come out against the bill, sparking another online spat this week with Trump, who accused him of only caring because electric vehicle subsidies are being slashed. Trump added that Musk would have to go “back home to South Africa” — which had many South Africans replying: “No thanks.” 😆
The bill’s journey through Congress has been rocky. It passed in the House in May, then squeaked through the Senate on Tuesday, with VP JD Vance breaking the tie. Today, it’s back in the House for final sign-off. A few Republican holdouts remain, and previously, some House reps admitted they didn’t even read the 800+ page bill. If any changes are made, it goes back to the Senate — where even one GOP defection could kill it.
Trump wants it on his desk by tomorrow to coincide with US Independence Day — because, of course, he does. His team insists it delivers “tax relief for all”, but independent reports say it overwhelmingly benefits the richest Americans and could leave up to 12 million people without health coverage.
Polls show the bill is deeply unpopular with the public. Come the 4th of July, Trump may get his fireworks moment — but for many Americans, the only thing exploding is their healthcare, safety nets and any illusions of fiscal restraint.
