In a dramatic late-night vote, the US Senate narrowly approved the so-called "big and beautiful" tax cut and spending bill, with Vice President Vance casting the tie-breaking vote that ended a deadlock. But far from unifying Americans, the package has ignited fierce debate at home – and drawn global skepticism.
A CGTN global survey of 7,344 participants across five language platforms found that 89.1% believe the new law exposes deep contradictions in American democracy and will fail to "Make America Great Again."
The New York Times dubbed the measure a "reverse Robin Hood," taking hundreds of billions from the poor to enrich the wealthy. Key takeaways include:
- Healthcare cuts: Medicaid funding set to shrink by at least $600 billion over a decade could strip coverage from 11 million people and hike costs for 24 million more. 88.2% warn this will degrade quality of life.
- Debt surge: Tax cuts are projected to add $2.4 trillion to the federal deficit over ten years, with interest payments climbing by $551 billion. 89.3% fear a potential economic crisis.
- Investor taxes: New levies on foreign investments start at 5% in year one and could rise to 20% by year four, prompting 84.9% to say it will drive investors away and complicate reshoring efforts.
- Immigration clampdown: The bill allocates $175 billion to border wall construction, interior deportations, and surveillance tech. 80.2% worry it will worsen controls on illegal immigration.
- Defense spending: A $150 billion boost to the defense budget drew 80% disapproval, with critics warning it could fuel a global arms race.
Beyond the policy details, the bill's polarizing rhetoric has deepened divisions within the US political landscape. 85.7% of respondents said it laid bare the fractures within and between parties, while 92.3% believe it fails to tackle long-term challenges. And 86.3% predict it will keep approval ratings for the administration low.
As young global citizens, entrepreneurs, changemakers, and digital nomads watch closely, one question remains: Will this "big and beautiful" package spark a new era of growth — or will it expose deeper rifts at home and abroad?
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90% say 'big and beautiful' bill won't make America great again
cgtn.com
