What is Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill?
Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill is a sweeping 1,000+ page legislative package passed by House Republicans in May 2025. It touches nearly every corner of domestic policy — taxes, social safety nets, immigration, energy, education, and national security.
Nicknamed after Donald Trump’s characteristic language, this legislation reflects many of his 2024 campaign promises and aims to reshape American policy for the next decade.
Key Tax Cuts for Families & Businesses
One of the most talked-about aspects of Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill is its bold tax reform:
Individual & Family Tax Relief:
- Standard Deduction Boost: +$1,000 for individuals, +$2,000 for couples.
- Child Tax Credit: Temporarily increased to $2,500.
- Estate Tax Exemption: Increased to $15 million.
- No Tax on Tips, Overtime, and Car Loan Interest (until 2028).
- “SALT” Deduction Cap: Raised to $40,000 for middle-income households.
Business Incentives:
- Small Business Deduction: Increased to 23% for S corps and partnerships.
- Full Expensing: Businesses can deduct 100% of R&D and equipment costs immediately.
New Work Requirements for Aid Programs
One of the more controversial parts of Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill is the tightening of eligibility for federal aid.
SNAP (Food Stamps):
- Work age raised: From 54 to 64 years old.
- Parents exempt only if child is under 7.
- States must pay 5% of SNAP benefit costs and 75% of administrative costs.
Medicaid:
- New Requirement: 80 hours of monthly work, training, or volunteering.
- Biannual Re-verification of eligibility.
- Estimated 8.6 million Americans may lose coverage.
Immigration and Border Funding
This section gives the bill its sharpest edge:
Border Security:
- $46.5 billion for border wall construction.
- Funding for 18,000 new federal officers including ICE, Customs, and Border Patrol.
Immigration Fees:
- $1,000 asylum application fee – unprecedented in U.S. history.
Deportation Infrastructure:
- Plan to deport 1 million immigrants per year.
- Housing for 100,000 detainees.
✅ External Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Defense Spending and Trump’s “Golden Dome”
The bill doesn’t skimp on military investments:
- $150 billion total for Defense and National Security.
- $25 billion for the “Golden Dome” missile defense project.
- $34 billion to expand the Navy fleet.
- $9 billion for military housing, pay, and benefits.
Student Loan Changes & University Tax
Student Loan Overhaul:
- Replaces current repayment plans with:
- Standard 10-25 Year Plan
- Assistance Plan (less generous than Biden-era IDR plans)
- Ends forgiveness for defrauded students.
Education Taxes:
- Up to 21% tax on large university endowments.
Energy and Land Use Expansion
The bill boosts energy extraction:
- More drilling, mining, and logging on public lands.
- Lower royalty fees for companies extracting oil, gas, and coal.
- Reverses many of Biden’s green energy policies.
Controversial Additions and GOP Wins
- No taxes on gun silencers, long requested by the NRA.
- Defunds Planned Parenthood from receiving Medicaid dollars.
- Introduces “Trump Accounts” — $1,000 government-backed savings for babies born 2024–2028.
“Trump” Baby Accounts:
- Parents can contribute $5,000/year.
- Early access for education, training, or first home.
Conclusion: What’s Next for the Big Bill?
Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill passed the House narrowly, but its future in the Senate is uncertain. Democrats vow to challenge many provisions, particularly those affecting health care, immigration, and social services.
Still, the bill represents a bold attempt to reshape U.S. domestic policy in Trump’s image.