The Trump administration is celebrating a series of significant victories this week, showcasing its unwavering commitment to economic strength, fiscal discipline, and combating the fentanyl crisis. Record-breaking tariff revenues, the passage of the Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act, and the Rescissions Bill’s advancement in the Senate mark a trifecta of achievements that align with President Donald Trump’s campaign promises, particularly his aggressive stance on the war on drugs.
Record Tariff Revenues Bolster Fiscal Strategy
The U.S. Treasury reported a historic milestone, with tariff revenues topping $113 billion for the first nine months of fiscal year 2025, including a record $27 billion collected in June alone, according to Fox Business. This represents a 301% surge over June 2024, driven by President Trump’s near-weekly imposition of duties on major global economies. Sources, including Reuters, the Washington Times, Newsweek, and Yahoo Finance, confirm the figures, noting net revenues of $108 billion and projecting a potential $300 billion by year-end, as stated by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The elimination of the de minimis exemption, which previously allowed Chinese e-commerce giants to ship low-cost goods—including fentanyl precursors—without tariffs, has been a key factor, with Reuters reporting it facilitated imports for 3 million fentanyl tablets. These revenues are hailed as a “win” by supporters and align with Trump’s campaign pledge to fund domestic priorities, such as border security, through economic sovereignty. The White House, via Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, emphasized that core inflation remains stable at 2.1%, with June’s Consumer Price Index at 2.7%, countering critics’ fears of tariff-driven price spikes. Fox Business Network’s Maria Bartiromo called the inflation data a “victory,” underscoring the administration’s ability to balance aggressive trade policies with economic stability.
Halting Fentanyl Trafficking with New Legislation
On Wednesday, President Trump signed the Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act, a landmark bipartisan bill strengthening prison sentences for fentanyl traffickers. The signing ceremony, attended by congressional leaders and families affected by the opioid crisis, reflects Trump’s campaign focus on combating drug trafficking. The legislation builds on reported seizures of over 1 million lethal doses of fentanyl in the administration’s first two months, and complements tariff policies targeting precursor chemicals from China. Trump’s threats of 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada and 145% tariffs on Chinese imports further pressure source countries, fulfilling his pledge to use economic tools to disrupt the fentanyl trade.
Rescissions Bill Advances with Vance’s Tie-Breaker
The week’s victories were capped by the Senate’s passage of the Rescissions Bill Tuesday evening, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote in a 51-50 decision. The bill, which claws back $9.4 billion in previously approved spending, cuts funding for foreign aid and public broadcasting (NPR and PBS) while preserving programs like PEPFAR after concessions. The bill’s proponents argue that these cuts are necessary to redirect resources to domestic priorities, including border security, a cornerstone of his drug war strategy.
Next Steps for the Rescissions Bill
Following the Senate’s vote to advance the Rescissions Act on Tuesday, the bill faces critical next steps before the July 18, 2025, deadline mandated by the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974. If Congress fails to act by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, the $9.4 billion in funds must be released as originally appropriated. The Senate engaged in up to 10 hours of debate, with amendment votes on Wednesday. These votes included proposed amendments addressing international disaster assistance, public broadcasting for public safety, rural/tribal radio, and emergency alert systems. However, a motion to recommit the bill to the Appropriations Committee was rejected 48-51 on July 16.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) has indicated that the bill may be amended to secure broader support, with the removal of $400 million in cuts to PEPFAR and other global health programs, which were already agreed upon to address concerns from senators like Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska). If the Senate amends the bill, it must return to the House for another vote before the deadline, as noted by House Speaker Mike Johnson, who urged the Senate to pass it as is. The tight timeline and potential amendments make passage uncertain, but Thune’s confidence and Trump’s pressure on Republicans to support the bill bolster its prospects.
If passed, the Rescissions Act would mark the first successful presidential rescissions package in decades, with OMB Director Russell Vought signaling potential future requests to further reduce spending. This aligns with the administration’s goal, initially set by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), to cut federal spending by up to $1 trillion.
Tying Wins to the War on Drugs
These achievements directly support Trump’s 2024 campaign promises to wage an “all-out war” on drugs, particularly fentanyl. The tariff revenues fund enhanced border enforcement, with last year’s seizure of 21,000 pounds of fentanyl demonstrating progress. The de minimis closure targets precursor shipments, while the Rescissions Bill frees up resources for enforcement over foreign aid. The fentanyl legislation strengthens penalties, resonating with Trump’s pledge for a tough-on-crime approach. Together, these wins bolster the administration’s efforts to secure borders and disrupt cartels.
A Week of Momentum
The Trump administration’s trifecta of tariff revenues, fentanyl legislation, and the Rescissions Bill has energized supporters, with projections of $2.8 trillion in tariff revenue over a decade and celebrating Vance’s pivotal role. Stable inflation further reinforces public confidence in these policies. As the administration continues to implement its agenda, these victories highlight President Trump’s focus on economic strength, fiscal responsibility, and tackling the fentanyl crisis, setting the stage for further historic progress in his second term.