As Americans marked the United States’ 250th anniversary on the Fourth of July, former Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and George Bush issued messages that included indirect criticism of President Donald Trump and his administration. ABC News reported that Clinton, a Democrat, sharply criticized “the people in charge” and targeted policies on immigration and the Iran conflict. He noted deep divisions and threats to democratic institutions, while stating that America’s strengths can address its problems. Obama described the nation as “a constant work in progress” and shared remarks stressing shared values, dignity for all people, checks and balances, an independent judiciary, a free press, and fair elections. Bush urged citizens to participate actively rather than remain spectators, calling democracy self-correcting through voting. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani also condemned the administration’s approach and the influence of wealthy individuals, pointing to economic inequality and enforcement actions. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro similarly criticized the policies.
