Donald Trump’s flagship legislation, dubbed the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’, has cleared a major hurdle in the US Senate, moving one step closer to a final vote. But the sprawling package—covering tax cuts, welfare reductions, and a boost in defence spending—has ignited fierce backlash across party lines and drawn condemnation from business leaders and governors alike.
The nearly 1,000-page bill passed a crucial procedural vote on Sunday evening, 51–49, allowing formal debate to begin. Republicans celebrated the advancement, hailing it as a bold move to restore fiscal discipline, fund national security, and make Trump-era tax cuts permanent. However, the proposal’s impact on healthcare, clean energy, and public services has prompted a wave of protest from Democrats, civil society groups, and even some within the Republican fold.
At the heart of the legislation are deep cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), along with the elimination of key subsidies for renewable energy. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the plan would add more than $3 trillion to the deficit over the next decade, while stripping healthcare coverage from nearly 12 million Americans.
Business leaders have also joined the fray. Tesla CEO Elon Musk, once a vocal supporter of Trump, described the bill as “politically suicidal” and “utterly destructive”, warning that it punishes innovation and props up obsolete sectors. His remarks reflect growing frustration among clean-tech investors who see the bill as a direct attack on future-facing industries.
Resistance has been particularly vocal in California. State leaders, including Governor Gavin Newsom and Senator Alex Padilla, labelled the bill “economically reckless” and “morally bankrupt”. They argue it would decimate state budgets, gut environmental progress, and push millions into hardship.
Democrats have seized the moment to highlight the bill’s more controversial elements. In a dramatic floor tactic, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer forced a full reading of the bill overnight, slowing its momentum and drawing attention to its scale and speed. The move was largely symbolic, but it underscored the Democratic strategy to expose what they call the “hidden cruelty” of the legislation.
Even among Republicans, fractures are emerging. Senator Thom Tillis announced he will not seek re-election, citing his discomfort with the party’s direction and the pressure exerted by Trump loyalists. Rand Paul has also broken ranks, denouncing the bill’s fiscal footprint and mocking a provision aimed at expanding child benefits—a measure he claimed was “written for Elon Musk’s family”.
Yet, the bill’s trajectory remains intact. A final Senate vote is expected within days, followed by a likely return to the House for reconciliation. Trump has insisted the bill must be signed into law before 4 July, calling it a “historic restoration of American greatness”.
With just days to go, the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ has become a symbol of Trump’s second-term ambitions—and the divisions defining US politics. Whether it cements his legislative legacy or deepens internal rifts remains to be seen.
REFH – newshub finance
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