From the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and Alligator Alcatraz to the missing Epstein files and the war on public media, here are the top political events that occurred in July.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act Becomes Law
- The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is a massive 1,000+ page spending bill that covers the core policies of the Trump administration’s second tenure.
- On July 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act passed the Senate with a vote of 51-50.
- The bill passed the House of Representatives on July 3, with a vote of 218-214.
- The act was signed into law on July 4, projected to cost at least $3.4 trillion over the next 10 years.
- How This Will Affect Education: Going into effect July 1, 2026, caps have been placed on student loans, particularly depending on whether a student is dependent or independent.
- For loan borrowers, the Biden-era SAVE plan is ending. Per NPR, SAVE borrowers will see raised balances due to incorporated interest, starting August 1. Under the OBBB, SAVE borrowers will need to change repayment plans by July 1, 2028, which signifies the end of the SAVE plan.
- The Grad PLUS loan program will be phased out on July 1, 2026. However, those enrolled in graduate school may be eligible to receive Grad PLUS loans over three years.
Alligator Alcatraz Opens in Florida
- The ICE detention center, Alligator Alcatraz, officially opened on July 3 in the Florida Everglades. The Miami Herald and Tampa Bay Times obtained a list of over 700 detainees.
- In an interview with PBS, Herald reporter Ana Ceballos stated that she and other reporters found that at least more than 250 people do not have a criminal charge or conviction of any kind. However, some detainees are there, instead, for immigration violations. Other reports cited inhumane conditions and an absent hurricane plan, among other issues.
The Ongoing Epstein Files Scandal
- In May, The Wall Street Journal exclusively reported that Attorney General Pam Bondi briefed Trump that his name is attached to the Epstein files.
- On July 7, the Department of Justice released a memo detailing how it would not release any more information regarding disgraced financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. However, this revelation angered a great deal of Trump’s base, with many citing a previous Fox News interview with Pam Bondi stating “the documents were sitting on her desk.”
- In a Truth Social post on July 12, Trump responded to criticism, saying, “For years, it’s Epstein, over and over again,” visibly dismissing the public outcry.
The War on Public Media Funding
- On July 17, the Senate approved an administration plan to rescind $9 billion in foreign aid and public media funding. The financial repeal includes $1.1 billion designated for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which supports NPR and PBS, and over 1,500 public radio and television stations across the U.S.
- The House approved the bill the next day, July 18.
The Tariff Wars Continue
- On April 9, Trump announced a 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs. The date was pushed to July 9, and further extended to August 1. However, Trump stands firm on the August 1 deadline.
The U.S. Abandons Gaza Ceasefire Talks
- According to NPR, the U.S. decided to cut Gaza ceasefire talks on July 24 and bring in its negotiating team from Qatar to discuss next steps. The reasoning cites “a lack of desire” from Hamas’ latest response on its official website.
- A United Nations-backed report reveals an escalating conflict and Gaza’s severe hunger crisis. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) issued a warning that Gaza is heading towards a famine under Israel’s offensive. According to the UN, hospitals have been treating over 20,000 Gazan children for acute malnutrition since April.
The Paramount Merger Breakdown
- On July 18, CBS announced the May 2026 cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Some critics speculate that the show’s cancellation resulted from Colbert condemning Paramount’s $16 million settlement in a Trump lawsuit.
- South Park premiered their first episode of Season 27 on July 23, showcasing a satirical take on Donald Trump’s second-term presidency, the Paramount merger, and Colbert’s Late Show cancellation. White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers cited the Trump administration’s displeasure with the season opener, Variety reports.
- On July 24, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved the $8.4 billion merger of Paramount Global with Skydance Media. According to PBS, the green light from Trump’s FCC comes after Paramount’s settlement.
- In October 2024, Trump filed a lawsuit against Paramount Global, alleging that a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris had been edited to intentionally interfere with the election results.