Former President Bill Clinton issued a July 4 statement titled “America at 250 and the State of the Country,” defending democratic principles and criticizing the current administration for weakening institutions, civil liberties, and legal standards. He portrayed the Declaration of Independence as a bold effort to create a nation based on equality and elected government. Clinton noted that the country has faced repeated difficulties yet has generally broadened rights and opportunities over time. He described the American system as the world’s longest continuous democracy. Turning to recent events, Clinton accused officials of misusing executive authority, sending masked agents into communities, pursuing an undefined military conflict, and directing government resources against political rivals. He also condemned economic measures that he said benefit only the wealthiest citizens and attempts to alter historical accounts by limiting discussion of past errors. Despite these concerns, Clinton expressed optimism, recalling earlier periods of division such as the Civil War and civil rights era when the nation chose broader inclusion. He urged citizens to stay active in public life, stating that America’s strengths can address its problems and that the founding goal remains to form a more perfect union.
