July 4th: A Mix of Celebration and Protest
For many, July 4th is all about fireworks and barbecues, likely while clad in red, white, and blue. But then there’s the liberal perspective on Independence Day, which often seems to pivot towards anti-Trump sentiments.
This year, as the nation celebrates, various gatherings are planned across the country. People will assemble in town squares, backyards, and porches, emphasizing what they see as true freedom. An event description from the Women’s March, which has now been canceled, states, “Free America is wherever we are. Free America is whatever we make.”
🇺🇸 Everyone:
The “No King” day is July 4th.
hand over! 🇺🇸
– Harmeet K. Dhillon (@harmeetkdhillon) June 14, 2025
Yet, this idea of “free America” feels quite ambiguous. The Women’s March has rebranded their main protest as the “March of the People.” The underlying question remains: what does freedom even mean in this context? It appears, at least to some, that on the left, freedom is defined by what aligns with their political agenda.
Protesters have several avenues to express their views. They can host festive block parties, as suggested on the Women’s March website, complete with hot dogs and veggie burgers. The celebrations aim to fill the space with music, dance, and conversation. However, the expression of identity has evolved considerably over the last decade. The language reflects a unique in-group dynamic, with terms like “brown bodies” or “webs of complex factors” being used to signal inclusion, while other terminology might not convey the same camaraderie.
The Women’s March asserts, “The dream of American freedom belongs to us all, and we will not stop pursuing that promise now or ever.” It raises an interesting point: if that dream is so universal, why can’t undocumented immigrants seek out their aspirations in their own countries?
According to their website, there are about 280 planned events with nearly 6,000 participants registered, showing a notable drop in interest compared to the “No Kings” protests in June, which boasted around 820 planned protest sites and estimates of 4 to 6 million attendees.
President Trump united the Republicans to deliver for the American people.
One big beautiful bill combines the best of Trump’s tax cuts in 2017.
There is no better way to start our country’s 250th anniversary on July 4th.
– Treasury Secretary Scott Bescent (@secscottbessent) July 3, 2025
Maybe liberals are feeling a bit discouraged following their lack of significant impact in June, especially after the Supreme Court upheld Trump’s win in a case that challenged the basis of some federal judges’ rulings against his border policies. As of July 3rd, the so-called “big and beautiful bill” was on its way to Trump’s desk.
It seems like perhaps they might prefer a fun day over a day of “resistance.” It could just be a way for them to signal that they’re on the “right side of history,” while feeling good about themselves, even if it doesn’t lead to concrete results.
So, to those on the left: Enjoy the fireworks this Independence Day. There’s no need for a contrived protest to justify participating in the parades and enjoying the hot dogs and hamburgers. Make your choice—it’s all part of the celebration.
