Trump Kicks Off America250 in Iowa, Celebrates Passage of ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’

President Donald Trump returned to Iowa on Thursday night to kick off the America250 celebration, marking the nation’s upcoming 250th birthday. The rally, held at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, drew a crowd of over 1,000 supporters as Trump praised the same-day congressional passage of his cornerstone legislation—the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.”

“There could be no better birthday present for America than the phenomenal victory we achieved just hours ago,” Trump declared, referencing the House’s narrow 218–214 vote in favor of the bill, which he plans to sign on July 4 during a patriotic ceremony with military flyovers.

‘Big Beautiful Bill’ Draws Cheers—and Criticism

The bill includes Medicaid work requirements, a shift of SNAP funding control to states, and an extension of Trump’s 2017 tax cuts. It also provides over $170 billion for immigration enforcement and raises the debt ceiling by $5 trillion. While applauded by Trump’s allies, it has drawn backlash from Democrats, protesters, and some moderate Republicans.

According to the Congressional Budget Office, the bill may leave nearly 12 million Americans without health coverage by 2034 while adding $3.4 trillion to the national deficit.

Patriotic Programming: UFC at the White House?

Though Thursday’s rally was framed as the first stop in the America250 festivities, much of Trump’s address was indistinguishable from campaign stump speeches. The president unveiled ambitious plans including a UFC fight at the White House organized by Dana White and a “Great American State Fair” to be held on the National Mall.

“Every battlefield and national park will have America250 events,” Trump promised. “And yes, we’re going to have a UFC fight—right on the South Lawn.”

Farmworker Exception Hints at Immigration Flexibility

Trump also proposed a potential exception to his aggressive deportation policy. Working with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, he said legislation is being developed to allow undocumented farmworkers to stay if their employers vouch for them.

Trump Cites Trade Gains, Inflation Control

Trump boasted about new trade agreements with Vietnam and the UK, which he said would open foreign markets to Iowa’s beef, pork, dairy, and ethanol products. He also reiterated plans to implement 10% baseline tariffs beginning July 9. Trump further claimed that inflation is “cured,” citing falling egg and gas prices.

GOP Leaders Applaud, Protesters Push Back

Sens. Joni Ernst and Chuck Grassley lauded the legislation before Trump took the stage, with Grassley emphasizing border enforcement and detention capacity. Trump’s Cabinet members, including Bird and Rollins, praised his economic and immigration priorities.

Meanwhile, around 100 protesters gathered outside the fairgrounds. Maureen Ogle, Stephanie Shearer, and Marianne Satinsky joined others in condemning Trump’s policies, waving flags and chanting slogans like “Trump’s coming after you too.”

Supporters Highlight Trust, Economic Hope

Attendees like Lori Coltrain, Keith Reicks, and Adriano Montoya voiced strong support for Trump’s actions, especially measures like tax breaks on tips and benefits for small farmers. Many said they trust Trump to deliver on promises even if they don’t know all policy details.

Outlook: Year of Events, National Attention

With America250 now launched, the administration plans dozens of events leading up to July 4, 2026. The yearlong celebration is expected to spotlight key battleground states, historic sites, and policy achievements as the 2026 midterms approach.

(with inputs from Iowa Capital Dispatch and Iowa Public Radio)