Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill’s provisions skewed in favour of the rich

US President Donald Trump has got what he wanted badly — Congress has passed his ambitious, controversial ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’. The final vote of 218-214 shows how divisive this legislation is. If Trump is to be believed, the Bill marks the beginning of a “new Golden Age” for the US. He is confident that Americans will be richer, safer and prouder than ever before. His optimism doesn’t have many takers outside Republican circles. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates that the policy package will add $3.3 trillion to the fiscal deficit over the next 10 years and 11.8 million more people will go without health coverage. The Bill authorises greater spending on border security and the military, but makes steep cuts in Medicare and Medicaid — which are the lifeline for millions of Americans.Cutbacks in food stamps, which help feed more than 40 million people, and a major rollback of green energy tax credits are some of the other features of this legislation that have drawn flak. Trump has never bothered to conceal his fondness for affluent Americans, and this Bill is in sync with his approach. It bestows trillions of dollars in tax cuts on the rich, while the financial situation will get worse for those with the least wealth. Apparently, Trump wants to make only a section of his compatriots richer, safer and prouder — at the expense of those down the economic ladder.It’s an irony that the Bill lacks provisions that could significantly boost economic growth. Such lacunae have given the Democrats an opportunity to regroup and up the ante against the ruling Republicans. Some progressive groups are planning to highlight how vulnerable Americans will be hit by the new Medicaid cuts. A big backlash is on the cards. Trump will have his hands full — once the euphoria over his legislative triumph dies down.

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