The concert took place on Saturday evening, in Texas, as part of the ongoing convention scheduled to close today, July 6.
Hosted by renowned media personality Ally Soudy, the event brought together Rwandans from across the globe for a night of celebration, culture, and music.
The evening kicked off with a nostalgic performance by Navytune [MYP], a veteran of the iconic group KGB. Midway through his set, he surprised fans by inviting his children on stage, creating a heartfelt moment as they sang together.
He was followed by TMC, formerly of the popular duo Dream Boyz, who took the audience down memory lane with a selection of their classic hits. His solo set was a reminder of the group’s lasting impact, even years after their split.
A live band then took over, setting the stage for Kevin Kade, who performed four of his trending tracks, marking his debut performance on American soil. Element followed with a powerful set of his own hits, receiving an enthusiastic response from the crowd.
In one of the night’s standout moments, Kevin Kade returned to the stage to join Element and The Ben for a joint performance of their collaboration “Sikosa.” After the energetic trio performance, Element and Kade exited the stage, leaving The Ben to take centre stage for a memorable headlining set.
Having lived in the U.S. from 2010 to 2017, The Ben’s performance was both a homecoming and a celebration. He treated fans to a mix of old favourites and newer hits, with the crowd singing along throughout.
The evening ended on an emotional note as The Ben was presented with a framed portrait of his late grandmother, who passed away last year, a touching tribute to close out a night filled with energy, unity, and musical excellence.
Fairbanks was speaking on Saturday, July 5, at the Rwanda Convention 2025 in Dallas, Texas, a gathering of Rwandans in the diaspora attended by high-ranking officials, including Foreign Affairs Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe.
A central theme of his message was the contrast between dysfunctional and thriving value chains. Drawing from a personal experience in Colombia, Fairbanks illustrated how closed systems, lack of accountability, and absence of competition can stifle economic development.
“In Colombia,” he said, “everyone in the leather supply chain blamed someone else for failure, from the ranchers to the tanneries, until the blame landed on the cows themselves. They said, ‘We have dumb cows.’ That’s when I knew the problem wasn’t the cows, it was a broken system with no incentive to innovate or cooperate.”
In Rwanda, Fairbanks noted, the opposite is true. “We embrace competition as a positive force,” he said. “Even when we fail, we learn why we failed.”
He highlighted several key characteristics that have enabled Rwanda’s value chains to flourish. Among them is a spirit of healthy competition, where open market dynamics and clearly defined rules encourage innovation and raise the standard of quality across industries.
Fairbanks also pointed to the strength of cultural continuity, an enduring sense of shared identity among Rwandans, including those in the diaspora. This deep-rooted connection fosters strong bonds of trust and purpose, a phenomenon he described using political scientist Francis Fukuyama’s term, “spontaneous sociability.”
Another defining trait is collective accountability. In contrast to his Colombian case study, where stakeholders deflected blame at every level, Rwandans tend to confront challenges directly and take ownership of outcomes.
Finally, he emphasised the nation’s optimism and clarity of vision. Rwanda’s well-structured governance and unified national goals provide a roadmap that aligns stakeholders and drives coordinated progress.
“You pay your taxes better than most, you believe in the future, and you know where you’re going. That’s why Rwanda’s value chains are working—and why the future is so bright.”
He also commended the diaspora for preserving Rwandan culture, citing traditional games and shared experiences that kept communities connected across borders.
“Whether in Congo, Burundi, Uganda, or Brussels, Rwandans played the same games and ate the same food. That unity matters,” he said.
The Rwanda Convention in Dallas is a diaspora-led initiative aimed at strengthening ties between Rwandans abroad and their homeland, recognising the diaspora’s vital role in national development through investment, remittances, and knowledge exchange.
The state-run institution currently manages assets worth over Frw 3.5 trillion (approximately $2.5 billion), with a strategic focus on channeling the resources into sectors that drive economic growth, social impact, and long-term returns.
Speaking to the Rwandan diaspora during the Rwanda Convention 2025 held in Texas, USA, on July 5, Louise Kanyonga, Deputy CEO of the RSSB, emphasised the institution’s dual mission, social protection and nation-aligned investments, and highlighted key opportunities available both in Rwanda and abroad.
“RSSB is truly owned by every single Rwandan,” said Kanyonga. “We manage assets of about $2.5 billion across all the different asset classes… we invest towards the transformation of the country.”
A highlight of RSSB’s efforts is Ejo Heza, the national long-term savings scheme now being actively marketed to the diaspora. Designed for both informal sector workers and Rwandans living abroad, Ejo Heza offers an impressive 10–11% annual return, compounded over time.
“If you want to make sure you’re securing a long-term financial future for your loved ones and families back home, I really encourage you to learn more about Ejo Heza,” said Kanyonga.
“It’s a super attractive opportunity for you. You too can save and watch your savings grow over time,” she added.
The scheme not only ensures retirement security, but also reinforces financial inclusion in a country where most of the population works outside the formal economy.
{{Vision City II and Heza Estate
}}
In real estate, RSSB continues to lead the market as Rwanda’s largest developer. Two major housing projects were spotlighted at the convention:
Vision City II, set to begin construction in September 2025, will be three times larger than the first phase, featuring a diverse range of villas, apartments, and townhouses.
“The residential units you have in Vision City I are almost sold out… We’re starting the second phase in September,” Kanyonga confirmed.
Heza Estate, another upcoming development, will cater to the middle-income segment with approximately 500 units priced from $70,000. The estate will include both apartments and standalone homes, offering options for homeowners and investors alike.
“Please check it out at the stand. Pricing is very competitive and attractive… It’s a really exciting opportunity,” she said.
{{SME financing
}}
Kanyonga also announced the creation of a new $30 million SME fund, aimed at unlocking long-term capital for small and medium-sized enterprises. The fund is expected to grow to $100 million, with regulatory clearance anticipated by August 2025.
“This SME fund is really for you,” she told diaspora entrepreneurs. “We want to be exposed to the real economy and actually finance real businesses.”
Unlike commercial bank loans, which can be expensive and short-term, the RSSB fund will offer patient capital, including equity and flexible financing terms tailored to the realities of local businesses.
{{Strategic sector investments
}}
RSSB is already firmly embedded in several of Rwanda’s most strategic and high-impact sectors, according to Kanyonga. In healthcare, the institution manages Mutuelle de Santé, the national health insurance program that now covers advanced medical services such as kidney transplants and cancer treatment, a major step toward reducing the country’s reliance on outbound medical referrals.
In the realm of innovation, RSSB has positioned itself as a forward-thinking investor, having been an early backer of Zipline, the drone delivery company revolutionising medical logistics across Rwanda. It has also directed capital into pharmaceutical manufacturing, further strengthening the country’s healthcare self-sufficiency.
RSSB is also making major contributions to hospitality and tourism, with investments in landmark assets such as the Kigali Convention Centre, the newly upgraded Kigali Golf Club, and hospitality infrastructure around Akagera National Park, bolstering both domestic and international tourism.
Beyond Rwanda’s borders, the institution is participating in pan-African investment through the $250 million Buranga Fund, a joint venture with the Qatar Investment Authority, which is already supporting Rwandan companies and eyeing broader regional opportunities.
{{Invest, don’t just remit
}}
Closing her remarks, Kanyonga urged the diaspora to move beyond remittances and take part in long-term investment.
“Let’s think about moving beyond just remittances to actually investing actively in the economy. There’s so much you can do,” she said. “Every single franc we invest [should] bring in three times the productivity.”
She also encouraged young professionals abroad to consider careers with RSSB, which operates a digital factory employing up to 60 Rwandans and building high-impact tools in-house.
“We’re building amazing products and services… 11 million Rwandans are our clients directly because of a service we offer,” she added.
Addressing a vibrant audience, Rwanda’s Ambassador to China, James Kimonyo, delivered a stirring message that especially resonated with young Rwandans, urging them to “carry the torch of Kwibohora” and lead the next chapter of Rwanda’s transformation.
“To the youth of Rwanda, the leaders of tomorrow, I say this: your generation carries the torch of Kwibohora. You carry a huge responsibility to take Rwanda even further,” he said. “The future is in your hands — and it is bright.”
Liberation Day, commonly known as Kwibohora, commemorates July 4, 1994 — the day the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA-Inkotanyi) ended the Genocide against the Tutsi and ushered in a new era of unity and hope.
It marked the end of a brutal regime defined by ethnic division, exile, conflict, and mass killings. The liberation struggle, which began on October 1, 1990, culminated in the military defeat of genocidal forces under the leadership of President Paul Kagame, heralding a new dawn for Rwanda.
“Kwibohora is more than just a day to celebrate our freedom,” said Amb. Kimonyo. “It is a day to recognize how far we have come as a nation and to reflect on the progress we have made together — as we look to the future.”
The Ambassador highlighted Rwanda’s extraordinary post-genocide transformation — from a deeply broken society to one of Africa’s most admired nations.
With an average economic growth rate of 8%, major investments in technology, infrastructure, and industry, and leading global rankings in governance and safety, Rwanda is steadily building toward its Vision 2050 goal of becoming a high-income country.
But beyond the statistics, Amb. Kimonyo emphasized values: unity, resilience, and responsibility. He urged young Rwandans not to take the legacy of liberation for granted, but to embody its spirit in their actions and ambitions.
“The liberation we celebrate today is not an end in itself,” he said. “It calls for sustained hard work, discipline, and commitment to our founding ideals.”
The ceremony also featured remarks by Ambassador Lei Kezhong, representing the Government of the People’s Republic of China. He praised Rwanda’s leadership and progress, highlighting the growing strategic partnership between the two nations.
“Rwanda has successfully taken control of its own destiny and is making solid progress toward realizing its Vision 2050,” said Amb. Lei. “China is ready to continue supporting Rwanda through high-level cooperation, infrastructure development, and enhanced market access.”
China remains one of Rwanda’s most significant development partners, contributing to transformative projects such as Masaka Hospital, Nyabarongo II Hydropower Plant, and technology-focused initiatives like satellite remote sensing.
In his closing remarks, Amb. Kimonyo called on all Rwandans to safeguard the hard-won gains and reject the forces of division.
“Let us pledge to protect and uphold the progress we have made,” he urged. “This is a journey that will ensure future generations live in a society where justice, equality, and peace are their birthright.”
As Rwanda marks Kwibohora31, the focus shifts from military victory to a new kind of liberation — one that will be won through innovation, purpose, and the unwavering resolve of a united people, with the youth at its forefront.
Speaking during a conversation with members of the press on Liberation Day, President Kagame shared personal and national insights, emphasising the sacrifices of the liberation struggle and Rwanda’s commitment to self-reliance.
“For me, at a personal level, it’s been a very tough but enjoyable journey,” the president said in his opening remarks.
He highlighted the significance of the struggle, noting, “This is the best thing one can do to be part of the many years of struggle to put things right for our country, for our people, for ourselves all together.”
When asked about the personal convictions that drove him to fight for Rwanda as part of the group of refugees who formed the Rwanda Patriotic Army, which liberated the country and ended the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, President Kagame offered a deep reflection on the challenges and rewards of the liberation struggle.
“The tough side was what was confronted and dealt with, being of such a magnitude that for the half-hearted, they would just collapse under the weight of its first day,” he said.
Yet, he found inspiration in the collective effort: “The enjoyable part… is understanding the story itself, where you are coming from and where you are going, and then finding yourself in the middle of it, being one among many to be looked up to… It gives a sense of pride, inspiration.”
Kagame paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives, acknowledging the unexplainable nature of survival.
“I cannot account for why I’m still alive. I could have easily gone the way of the others who didn’t make it,” he admitted, adding, “We remember them. We honour them. We respect them for what we know they are associated with or they did when they were still there.”
He emphasized that the struggle’s purpose was to create a better future, stating, “What comes out in the end must reflect that difference between what you really fought against and what you are creating. They have to be different.”
The president also addressed Rwanda’s progress toward self-reliance, responding to a question about a 2012 speech where he criticised Western powers for scapegoating Rwanda.
“Rwanda has constantly been changing, but those powerful countries and how they see us or maybe see other Africans has really not changed,” Kagame said, asserting, “We don’t owe our living to anyone. Never will it happen again.”
“It’s not bragging. It’s an act of survival,” he declared, encapsulating the spirit of a nation forged through struggle and determination.
“We reached an agreement in Washington, D.C., but it is not up to Washington to implement it. It’s those who reached the agreement who must actually implement what we agreed,” President Kagame stated during a conversation with the media on Rwanda’s Liberation Day on Friday, July 4.
Expressing his optimism about the deal succeeding, he explained that resolving such complex issues requires Cooperation and flexibility.
“You don’t get 100% of what you want because there are many parties concerned with the problem. Each one may get a piece of what they wanted, another gets a piece of what they wanted, and together, stability comes out of it. So, for me, I think there is a chance that we may get somewhere with that,” the president noted.
The Washington-mediated agreement was signed on June 27 to address tensions in eastern DRC. It focuses on joint security measures to neutralise the FDLR militia, which Rwanda has identified as a persistent threat along its border.
During the interview, the head of state affirmed Rwanda’s commitment to its end of the bargain and insisted that the DRC do the same by eliminating the threat along the border with Rwanda.
“If FDLR is not removed, the problem continues to be there, and Rwanda will always do what it has to do,” Kagame warned.
“You will never find Rwanda at fault when it comes to implementing what we have agreed to do. Never,” he added.
President Kagame highlighted that the deal with President Felix Tshisekedi’s administration rests on three interconnected pillars: political, economic, and security, stressing that focusing solely on one aspect, such as the region’s mineral wealth, oversimplifies the conflict.
He criticised past approaches that reduced the crisis to economic motives, noting, “They talk about minerals as the centre of the whole problem. They should also blame themselves.”
He argued that the Trump administration’s holistic approach, unlike previous efforts, acknowledges the complexity of the conflict, including political issues like the denial of citizenship to Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese and the internal dynamics within the DRC.
The president also pointed to a parallel Qatar-mediated process involving the DRC government and the M23 rebel group, describing it as addressing the “internal matters” of Congo, which he said are often wrongly framed as solely a Rwanda-DRC issue.
“Congo has always tried to make this problem only a problem between Rwanda and DRC, but there is a bigger component that is DRC’s problem,” Kagame said, citing the need to resolve issues like the marginalisation of Kinyarwanda-speaking communities within Congo.
Kagame expressed gratitude to the Trump administration for prioritising the region’s challenges, contrasting their engagement with the indifference of previous Western powers.
“I thank them that they even paid attention to the problem at all,” he said, noting that global focus often centres on conflicts in the Middle East or Ukraine.
Addressing criticisms that the Trump administration’s approach is exploitative, Kagame challenged detractors to reflect on their own inaction.
“You were here all these years, doing nothing except doing the wrong thing,” he said, questioning the effectiveness of past sanctions and UN missions in Congo, which he accused of perpetuating biased narratives.
He specifically criticised the UN’s Group of Experts for focusing blame on Rwanda and M23 while ignoring the FDLR’s role in spreading “genocide ideology” and destabilising the region.
“You will never find them writing anything comprehensively about FDLR. You’ll never find them writing anything comprehensively about how government institutions are connected with FDLR in spreading hate ideology, genocide ideology—things that are being done in broad daylight for everybody to see,” Kagame said. “So you wonder, how can experts not see that?”
President Kagame was also adamant about his stance on Rwanda’s broader journey toward self-reliance.
“We don’t owe our living to anyone,” he declared, emphasising that Rwanda’s progress over the last three decades reflects a commitment to never again be “sheep to be slaughtered.”
In a post on X shared on July 4 to mark Rwanda’s 31st Liberation Day, commonly known as Kwibohora31, Gen Muhoozi extended warm wishes to the people of Rwanda, recalling the immense sacrifice made by those who stopped the genocide and restored hope to a devastated nation.
“My dear friends in Rwanda, I wish you a happy #Kwibohora31. We remember the heroes who stopped the genocide and restored hope and development,” Muhoozi wrote. “President Paul Kagame and his army carried out a heroic act that the whole world will always remember.”
He also used the occasion to reflect on the shared history and ties between Rwanda and Uganda, calling for lasting peace and deeper cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.
“Rwanda and Uganda are nations bound by history and blood. We desire lasting peace, deep friendship, and strong cooperation between our peoples,” he added.
Gen. Muhoozi, who has long expressed admiration for Kagame, has played a notable role in strengthening ties between Rwanda and Uganda.
Rwanda’s Liberation Day commemorates the victory of the RPA, under the leadership of then-commander Paul Kagame, in stopping the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, which claimed a million lives. It is a day of reflection, celebration, and honouring the resilience of the Rwandan people.
Held on the night of Thursday, July 3, 2025, the concert set the tone for Rwanda’s 31st Liberation Day, dubbed ‘Kwibohora31’, immersing the crowd in a blend of cultural pride, music, and modern technology.
The venue was packed to capacity, with every seat taken by fans of traditional Rwandan music and dance. Maji Maji, backed by a live band, opened the night with an energetic set, followed by the powerful rhythms and choreographed brilliance of Ishyaka ry’Intore.
The Inyamibwa troupe then took the spotlight before a collective of performers closed the show with moving renditions of wartime songs that once inspired Rwanda’s liberation fighters.
Midway through the show, the audience was caught off guard, in the best way possible. As Inyamibwa performed, the skies above Kigali lit up—not with fireworks, but with a fleet of drones spelling out words and symbols in perfect harmony.
The aerial spectacle featured glowing messages honouring President Paul Kagame, who led the liberation struggle, as well as sky-written images of the Rwandan flag and the country’s map—a powerful fusion of tradition and tech that brought the house to its feet.
This marked the first-ever edition of the ‘Urw’intwari’ concert, and organisers from Ma Africa told IGIHE the event is set to become an annual highlight on Rwanda’s entertainment calendar.
For many years, the Nyungwe Forest, now Nyungwe National Park, remained an underutilised natural asset, vulnerable to poaching and deforestation. However, over the past 25 years, under the leadership of President Paul Kagame, Rwanda has transformed its approach, prioritising conservation and sustainable tourism across its unique landscapes.
As part of this vision, several forest areas, including Nyungwe, were converted into protected national parks. To unlock their tourism potential, Rwanda partnered with African Parks, an international conservation organisation, leading to the development of three major attractions inside Nyungwe.
The park now features a 1,935-meter zipline that offers panoramic views of the forest canopy, along with a 280-meter rope course designed for adventurous treetop exploration. At the heart of these developments is Munazi Lodge, the park’s first and only hotel built deep within the forest.
The lodge was constructed in response to the challenges faced by visitors who previously had to seek accommodation outside the park boundaries. Construction began in early 2024 and was completed in early 2025, with furnishing finalised in May and the hotel opening to guests in June.
The name Munazi comes from the Umunazi tree, known for its wide-spreading branches that resemble a natural umbrella when viewed from below.
Room rates at Munazi Lodge vary by room type and season. The premium suite costs $220 per night during the low season and $270 in the peak season for international guests, while Rwandan residents pay $180 in low season and $220 during peak times. Standard rooms are priced at $185 per night in the low season and $230 in the peak season for international visitors.
All rooms offer a unique sensory experience, immersing guests in the natural sounds of Nyungwe’s 1,019 km² ecosystem, from birdsong to rustling leaves and distant animal calls.
The eco-lodge is entirely timber-built, from floors to walls, and all interior furnishings were locally crafted in Rwanda. With 20 beds, the lodge accommodates up to 20 guests per night.
Children aged 6 to 12 are charged $100 per night, while those under 6 stay for free. Guests over 12 pay the full adult rate.
The lodge was built at a cost exceeding $612,000, excluding interior fittings, and currently employs 25 staff members, with plans to expand the team to 60 in the near future.
{{Zipline
}}
The zipline, which allows tourists to glide through the air above Nyungwe National Park’s forest canopy, began construction in 2024 and was completed in May 2025 at a cost exceeding $342,000.
In just one month since it opened, the attraction had already drawn over 800 users, over 90% of whom were Rwandan visitors.
Stretching 1,935 meters, the zipline is divided into three segments: the first takes about 20 seconds to complete, the second 43 seconds, and the final segment around 58 seconds. Because there are short walking intervals between each section, a fast-moving visitor can complete the full course in about five minutes.
Ticket prices vary: international tourists pay $100, East African residents pay $80, and Rwandan nationals pay 20,000 Rwandan Francs.
{{Rope Course
}}
The rope course, though shorter at 280 meters, offers an equally thrilling experience for adventurous visitors. Designed as a suspended obstacle course, it challenges participants to move carefully across swaying elements.
Completing the course gives participants a strong sense of accomplishment and helps build personal confidence.
Access costs $35 for international visitors, $20 for East African residents, and 10,000 Rwandan Francs for Rwandan nationals.
{{Canopy walk & Combo packages
}}
The Canopy Walk, one of Nyungwe’s most iconic experiences, costs $125 for international visitors, $100 for East African residents, and 23,000 Rwandan Francs for Rwandans.
For those who wish to experience all three attractions, Zipline, Rope Course, and Canopy Walk, a combined package is available for $150 for international tourists, $110 for East African residents, and 40,000 Rwandan Francs for Rwandans.
Jean-Guy Afrika, CEO of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), who officiated the inauguration of the facilities, expressed confidence that they would boost tourist traffic and help the country achieve its goal of generating $1 billion in annual tourism revenue by 2030.
“Rwanda has chosen to pursue high-value, low-volume tourism,” Afrika said.
Tourism remains a cornerstone of Rwanda’s economy, currently generating about 1.9 trillion Rwandan Francs (approximately $1.5 billion) annually. Afrika noted that government policy has driven remarkable growth in tourism revenue—from $7 million in 2006 to $660 million today—with a clear trajectory toward surpassing the $1 billion mark by the end of the decade.
Western Province Executive Secretary Florence Uwambajemariya welcomed the developments, saying they align with the second phase of Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST2).
“These are infrastructures that directly support six of the NST2 priorities,” she said. “They contribute to climate resilience, create local jobs—since guides are Rwandan—and support the rural economy, as food served at the lodge is sourced locally.”
Tourism revenue from Nyungwe is growing rapidly. In 2021, the park brought in about $300,000; by 2024, this had risen to $2.3 million, and projections estimate it will reach $3.4 million in 2025.
All the facilities, including the zipline, rope course, and Munazi Lodge, were constructed between 2024 and 2025 at a total cost of over Frw 1 billion.
The bill, a cornerstone of Trump’s second-term agenda, cleared the House 218-214, with two Republicans, Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, joining a united Democratic front in opposition. Earlier in the week, the Senate narrowly approved the measure, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote.
At nearly 900 pages, the legislation is a mammoth rewrite of U.S. economic and social priorities. It combines $4.5 trillion in tax cuts, deep reductions in Medicaid and food assistance, a record $350 billion for immigration enforcement and border wall construction, and ambitious spending on military modernisation, including $25 billion for a new missile shield called the Golden Dome.
But with a projected price tag of $3.3 trillion added to the national deficit over the next decade, the bill has set off alarm bells among fiscal watchdogs and drawn sharp criticism from Democrats, who call it a “reverse Robin Hood” policy.
{{A tax revolution, but at what cost?
}}
At the heart of the bill is a permanent extension of Trump’s 2017 tax cuts, which were set to expire later this year. It introduces new deductions on tips, overtime, and auto loans; expands the child tax credit slightly from $2,000 to $2,200; and eliminates taxes on Social Security benefits for many older Americans. Businesses also gain immediate write-offs for research and equipment costs.
But according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the bill will give the wealthiest Americans an average annual tax cut of $12,000, while the poorest may lose $1,600 a year due to cutbacks in federal aid.
“This is not a middle-class tax cut. It’s a windfall for the rich funded by taking food and health care from the vulnerable,” said House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
Republicans insist the tax reforms are essential to avoid what they call an “automatic tax hike” come December and argue the changes will unleash unprecedented economic growth.
{{Safety net restructured
}}
To offset some of the cost, the bill imposes sweeping new restrictions on Medicaid and SNAP (food stamps), including 80-hour monthly work requirements for most adult recipients up to age 65 and new $35 co-pays for Medicaid services. Parents with children aged 14 and above would also be required to meet the work thresholds.
The CBO estimates that 11.8 million Americans could lose Medicaid coverage by 2034, and another 3 million could lose access to SNAP. States will also begin sharing the cost of SNAP by 2028 if their payment error rates exceed 6%, a provision softened after a push from Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska).
{{Border wall, mass deportation plans receive major boost
}}
Fulfilling a signature Trump promise, the bill allocates $350 billion for immigration enforcement. That includes funding for 100,000 migrant detention beds, the hiring of 10,000 ICE agents with $10,000 signing bonuses, and infrastructure for the largest mass deportation program in U.S. history, aiming to remove 1 million undocumented immigrants per year.
Immigrants applying for asylum protections will now face additional processing fees.
{{Military, space, and symbolic add-ons
}}
Beyond domestic and economic policy, the bill delivers a massive windfall to the Pentagon: billions for shipbuilding, munitions systems, and the new missile defence program. It also includes $1 billion in Defence Department border spending, $40 million for Trump’s long-touted “National Garden of American Heroes,” and billions for space exploration, including the Artemis moon mission and future Mars landings.
The bill also introduces “Trump Accounts,” a new federal savings plan for children, seeded with a $1,000 Treasury deposit.
The bill also includes several controversial provisions. It ends federal funding for Planned Parenthood for one year and rolls back clean energy tax credits, including those for electric vehicles, which will now expire on September 30. It imposes a new 1% tax on remittances and university endowments, eliminates the $200 tax on gun silencers and certain rifles, and expands compensation for individuals affected by nuclear testing.
{{A new fiscal frontier or a mirage?
}}
The bill raises the U.S. debt ceiling by $5 trillion to cover past and new spending. However, Republican senators argue that since many tax cuts were already “current policy,” their extension should not count as new spending — a controversial accounting method that, they say, turns a $3.3 trillion deficit increase into a $500 billion reduction.
Democrats and independent economists have called this “budgetary sleight of hand.” The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget labeled it “an accounting gimmick that would make Enron executives blush.”
{{Holiday signing
}}
House Speaker Mike Johnson hailed the bill as a sweeping effort to reverse what he called the “disaster of the Biden-Harris regime.”
“Everything was broken — we tried to fix it all, in one big, beautiful bill,” he said after the vote.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described the measure as “the largest middle-class tax cut in American history” and a “commonsense agenda that nearly 80 million Americans voted for.”
President Trump is expected to sign the bill at a high-profile ceremony at the White House on Friday at 5 p.m. ET, coinciding with Independence Day celebrations, symbolising, as the administration put it, “the beginning of America’s Golden Age.”
