US President Donald Trump celebrated the passage of his budget bill Thursday, telling reporters that it will boost the US economy like a “rocket ship.” The president made these statements before traveling to Iowa to kick off celebrations for the country’s 250th anniversary, which will be commemorated in 2026.
The president said the legislation represents"the largest piece of legislation of its kind ever signed" and reiterated that its implementation will mean "the largest tax cut in history." Trump added that the measure will be "fantastic for the Mexican border" and hailed what he called an unprecedented legislative achievement.
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the bill by a vote of 218 to 214. Two Republican lawmakers voted against it, citing concerns about the bill's impact on the national debt and green energy programs. Trump thanked lawmakers for overcoming roadblocks seeking to prevent the bill from being passed before July 4, Independence Day.
On the international political agenda, Trump addressed the recent talks with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, regarding the invasion of Ukraine. “I made no progress with him at all,” he said when asked about the possibility of a ceasefire, and expressed that he is “not happy” with the continuation of the war in Ukraine, which has been going on for more than two years with humanitarian and geopolitical consequences of global significance.
Regarding the conflict in Gaza, Trump expressed his desire to guarantee the safety of the enclave's inhabitants, stating that"that is the most important thing." The president assured that he will maintain a "very firm" stance with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with whom he is scheduled to meet on Monday. The American leader stressed that the Gazan population has faced a dire situation and reiterated his willingness to move forward with a ceasefire.
Trump on Tuesday reiterated his call for the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas to accept a 60-day ceasefire, noting that Israel had already agreed to the U.S.-brokered proposal. Hamas officials said Wednesday they are continuing to review the proposals through national consultations.
Trump also insisted that Iran wants to meet with his administration to end its conflict with Israel and resume negotiations on its nuclear program. “Iran does want to talk. I think they would like to talk to me, and it’s time for them to do that,” the president said, adding that he is not seeking to harm Iran and wants the country to “be a nation again.”
Indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran on Iran's nuclear program began on April 12 and have lasted five rounds, mediated by Oman. The talks were suspended following Israel's military offensive against Iran in mid-June, which escalated into a 12-day war and ended with a ceasefire announced by Trump. During the conflict, the United States bombed Iranian nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.
