‘Democratic Leaders Face Sharp Criticism for Urging Boycott of Independence Day Celebrations’ — Barack Obama and Kamala Harris
Washington, July 6, 2025 — While the Fourth of July in the United States is traditionally a time of celebration and patriotic messages, this year Democratic leaders marked the day with warnings and expressions of deep concern. Their messages largely focused on alleged threats from the Donald Trump administration, sparking strong backlash on social media.
Kamala Harris’s ‘Pessimistic’ Post
Former Vice President Kamala Harris wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
"This Fourth of July, I am taking some time to reflect. These are hard times. It may get worse before it gets better. But I love my country—and you fight for what you love. Together, we will continue fighting for the ideals of our nation."
Harris included a photo of herself with her husband Doug Emhoff at the White House. However, many social media users accused her of deliberately cropping out President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden from the photo.
Some mocked Harris by quoting one of her past popular remarks: “America is now unburdened by what has been.”
Messages from Biden and Obama
Former President Barack Obama posted:
"America is not anyone’s project alone. The strongest word in democracy is ‘We.’ ‘We the People.’ ‘We Shall Overcome.’ ‘Yes We Can.’ America belongs to no one—it belongs to all its citizens. Now, at this historic crossroads—when democratic principles are under constant attack—this is the time to ask the hard questions: How do we make democracy work effectively and meaningfully for ordinary people?"
President Biden’s message was comparatively softer, calling for continued efforts to defend democracy.
Criticism and Counter-Reactions
G. Van Fleet, a survivor of China’s Cultural Revolution, responded to Obama’s statement:
"We the People are now taking our country back from those who hate America and who work day and night to dismantle its ideals."
Bernie Sanders and the ‘No Kings’ Movement
Senator Bernie Sanders expressed support for the anti-Trump ‘No Kings’ movement, writing:
"On July 4, 1776, Americans said: No to kings, no to tyranny. On July 4, 2025, people across America are saying again: No to kings, no to tyranny."
Following this post, many social media users reminded: “Donald Trump is not a king, he is an elected president.”
Overall Impact
Many commentators say the Democrats’ “grim messages” have dampened the usual joy of Independence Day celebrations. They argue that while people want to celebrate the nation’s achievements, the Democrats are spreading fear and despair instead.
