Trump Celebrates ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ in Iowa: 5 Key Moments From His Salute to America Speech

Trump Takes Victory Lap in Iowa After Landmark Legislative Win

Former President Donald Trump used his visit to Des Moines, Iowa, on Thursday to tout the passage of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” — a sweeping tax and spending package that fulfills many of his long-standing campaign promises. The event, held on the eve of Independence Day, doubled as a celebration of both America’s upcoming 250th anniversary and Trump’s latest legislative victory.

The “Salute to America” rally gave Trump the spotlight to recap the bill’s highlights, reignite partisan tensions, mock international rivals, and weigh in on issues like undocumented farm workers — all before fireworks reminded the audience of the harrowing events in Butler, Pennsylvania, nearly a year ago.

Here are five major takeaways from Trump’s speech in Iowa.

1. A Victory Lap for the ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’

Trump wasted no time declaring victory after the House passed his signature legislative package, calling it a “declaration of independence from national decline.” The bill extends the 2017 Trump-era tax cuts, which were set to expire, and eliminates taxes on tipped wages — a move that drew loud cheers from the Iowa crowd.

Other key provisions include:

• $150 billion in new defense funding, including resources for shipbuilding and the “Golden Dome” missile defense project.
• $150 billion more for border wall construction and immigration enforcement.
• Budget cuts to low-income health and nutrition programs to offset revenue losses from tax cuts — a trade-off likely to impact millions of Americans’ healthcare access.

Despite sharp criticism from Democrats, Trump portrayed the bill as a patriotic reset. “We were a laughingstock all over the world,” he said. “We had a man as president who shouldn’t have been there.”

2. Trump Unfiltered: “I Hate Them, Too”

Never one to mince words, Trump directed his harshest attacks at Democrats, accusing them of opposing his legislation purely out of personal animosity. “They wouldn’t vote [for it] only because they hate Trump,” he said. “But I hate them, too… because I really believe they hate our country.”

Such rhetoric is nothing new for Trump, who frequently labels opponents “enemies from within.” Thursday’s remarks added more fuel to an already polarized political environment, hinting that this messaging will play a central role in the upcoming midterm elections.

3. Iran Mocked for ‘Missile Warning’

Turning to foreign policy, Trump highlighted recent U.S. military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, joking about Tehran’s retaliation. According to Trump, Iranian officials gave him advance warning before firing missiles at a U.S. base in Qatar.

“They were nice enough… to call me and say they’d like to shoot at me 14 times,” Trump said sarcastically. “And I said go ahead… Every single one of them was shot down routinely.”

Trump also said Iran now wants to talk, and he’s open to a meeting if necessary. Steve Witkoff, his Middle East envoy, is currently handling diplomatic outreach.

4. Softening on Deportations for Farm Workers

Acknowledging the agricultural community’s reliance on undocumented labor, Trump expressed a willingness to offer exceptions for farmers.

“If a farmer is willing to vouch for these people… we’re going to be good with it,” Trump said. “We don’t want to take all the workers off the farm.”

While this position may frustrate hardliners on immigration, Trump suggested that even staunch conservatives would “understand” the need for flexibility in certain industries.

5. Fireworks Trigger Butler Flashback

As fireworks echoed in the background during the rally, Trump appeared momentarily shaken — a reaction tied to the July 13, 2024, assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, when he was grazed by a bullet during a campaign stop.

“It’s only fireworks, I hope. Famous last words,” Trump said with a nervous chuckle. “I didn’t like that sound either.”

The moment served as a stark reminder of how dramatically the past year has unfolded for the former president, who is expected to discuss the Butler incident in an upcoming interview with his daughter-in-law and Fox News host, Lara Trump.

Conclusion:

Trump’s rally in Iowa was more than just a campaign stop — it was a showcase of legislative achievement, political bravado, and personal reflection. From tax cuts and missile strikes to immigration leniency and fireworks-induced flashbacks, the former president made it clear that he’s not just running for office — he’s running on a record he believes is both historic and transformative. With the midterms approaching, expect more moments like this as Trump doubles down on his signature style of politics.