Democratic leaders’ warnings on July 4 spark backlash as calls for unity clash with somber outlooks on nation’s future.

Somber Tone Dominates Independence Day Messages

Independence Day, typically a moment for celebration and national pride, took on a markedly different tone this year as prominent Democrats issued messages warning of difficult times ahead. Former Vice President Kamala Harris was among the first to strike a somber note, writing on X, “Things are hard right now. They are probably going to get worse before they get better.” Her message, posted alongside a photo at the White House, emphasized her enduring love for the country and a call to “fight for the ideals of our nation.”

The post was quickly met with mixed reactions. Social media users pointed out that Harris had cropped former President Joe Biden and former First Lady Jill Biden out of the accompanying photo, fueling speculation and criticism. Others used one of Harris’s well-known phrases to mock her message, suggesting the country was now “unburdened by what has been.”

Former President Joe Biden offered a more tempered message, encouraging Americans to “fight to maintain” democracy but stopping short of the more dire warnings issued by Harris.

Warnings Over Threats to Democracy Highlighted

Former President Barack Obama also took the opportunity to issue a warning about the nation’s future, arguing that “core democratic principles seem to be continuously under attack.” Obama emphasized the power of collective action, stating, “The single most powerful word in our democracy is the word ‘We.’” He reminded Americans that “America is not the project of any one person,” calling for renewed commitment to democratic values and civic engagement.

Obama’s remarks sparked replies from figures such as Xi Van Fleet, a survivor of Mao’s Cultural Revolution, who asserted, “We the People are taking our country back from those like you who despise America and work tirelessly to dismantle everything it stands for.”

Senator Bernie Sanders joined the chorus of caution, referencing the “No Kings” movement and drawing parallels between America’s founding rejection of monarchy and present-day political battles. “On July 4, 1776, Americans said: No to Kings, No to Despotism. On July 4, 2025, all across the country, Americans say again: No to Kings, No to Despotism,” Sanders declared. In response, several social media users pointed out the distinction that President Donald Trump, unlike a king, was elected by the people.

The Fourth of July exchanges highlight deepening political divisions and the challenge of uniting a country at a time of heightened partisanship. While some leaders focused on rallying Americans to protect democratic values, critics argued that the tone of “doom and gloom” undermined the spirit of the holiday, exposing enduring disagreements over the nation’s direction and the meaning of patriotism in an election year.