The US President Donald Trump kicked off a year-long celebration of America’s 250th anniversary in Iowa on Thursday with fireworks, fanfare, and plenty of political fire. The “Salute to America” event in Des Moines doubled as a victory lap for the passage of his sweeping legislative agenda — the One Big Beautiful Bill Act — just hours before he took the stage.
Trump, energized by the moment, praised the bill’s approval and framed it as a turning point in America’s future. “This is a declaration of independence from a national decline,” he said, adding, “We were a laughingstock. Now, we’re winning again.”
The new legislation extends Trump’s 2017 tax cuts, eliminates taxes on tipped wages, and injects $150 billion each into border security and defense programs, including a “Golden Dome” missile shield. It also aims to boost shipbuilding and military readiness. Supporters cheered its provisions, especially those related to immigration and national defense.
But Democrats criticized the bill for gutting social safety nets. To offset the cost of the tax breaks and military spending, the package slashes funding for low-income health and nutrition programs — cuts the Congressional Budget Office says could leave millions without coverage.
Unbothered by the backlash, Trump leaned into his base. “We had a man as president who shouldn’t have been there,” he said, referencing his 2020 rival. “Now, we’re back to making America strong, proud, and free again.”
“I Hate Them, Too”: Trump Unleashes on Democrats, Iran
In classic Trump fashion, the former president didn’t shy away from controversy. He launched into a harsh attack on Democrats, accusing them of obstruction and disloyalty. “Not one Democrat voted for us,” Trump said. “They hate Trump. But I hate them, too. I really do. I think they hate our country.”
Trump’s remarks continued a pattern of incendiary rhetoric, having previously called Democrats the “enemy from within” and “scum.” His verbal barbs drew cheers from the Iowa crowd but also reignited criticism about his polarizing tone and authoritarian leanings.
He also turned his attention to Iran, mocking the country’s recent missile response to U.S. strikes on its nuclear facilities. Trump joked that Iran gave him advance notice before firing on a U.S. base in Qatar.
“They called me and said, ‘We’re going to shoot at you 14 times.’ And I said, go ahead,” he claimed. “All 14 missiles were shot down. Routine. Just another Thursday.”
Despite the ridicule, Trump hinted at diplomacy, stating that Iran “wants to meet.” He said his Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, is already in discussions. “If necessary, I’ll do it. I’ll meet,” he said, suggesting he may return to the negotiating table — but on his own terms.
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Farmers, Fireworks, and Flashbacks
Trump also addressed immigration with a nod to Iowa’s farmers, acknowledging the tension between his deportation agenda and the agricultural industry’s reliance on undocumented workers.
“We want all the criminals out, everybody agrees,” Trump said. “But some of these farmers have had people working for them for years.” He offered a solution: allow farmers to vouch for their undocumented workers, essentially giving them an exemption.
“If a farmer is willing to vouch, that’s going to be good with us,” he added. “Serious radical right people — who I like — may not be happy, but they’ll understand.”
The comments signal a strategic pivot as Trump courts rural voters while trying not to alienate his hardline immigration base. The flexibility drew some applause but also raised eyebrows about enforcement consistency.
Midway through his speech, a firework exploded in the distance, prompting Trump to briefly pause — and flash back. Almost a year ago, on July 13, Trump survived an assassination attempt at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where he was grazed by a bullet.
“It’s only fireworks, I hope. Famous last words,” he joked, visibly unsettled. “You always have to think positive. I didn’t like that sound either.”
The near-assassination has since become a key part of Trump’s narrative, painting himself as a survivor who “took a bullet for America.” He’s scheduled to discuss the incident in an exclusive interview with Lara Trump, his daughter-in-law and Fox News host, to be aired next week.
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