Many believe that former President Barack Obama’s message on this year’s Fourth of July was a subtle yet pointed critique directed at Donald Trump. This interpretation gained traction following Trump’s recent announcement about new legislation.
The news came after Congress narrowly passed Trump’s ambitious legislative package on the day before Independence Day, July 3, by a slim margin of 218-214 votes. The bill, which is described as “big and beautiful,” spans nearly 1,000 pages and is predicted to increase the national debt by an estimated $3.4 trillion over the next decade. Currently, the national debt stands at $36.2 trillion.
Central to this bill are significant tax cuts that Trump had promised during his 2024 presidential campaign. Additionally, it includes reductions in federal expenditures on healthcare and food safety programs.
Prior to the bill’s passage, Obama urged Americans to reach out to their lawmakers to express opposition. He cautioned, “Over 16 million Americans could lose their healthcare because the proposed legislation seeks to cut Medicaid funding and dilute the Affordable Care Act.”
He further warned, “If the House approves this bill, it will escalate costs and harm working families for many years. Contact your representative and encourage them to reject it.”
In response to the bill’s passing, and coinciding with Independence Day, Obama took to social media with a message highlighting the importance of collective responsibility and upholding democratic principles.
Obama Shares a Message of Unity and Democracy
Obama’s post read, “Independence Day is a reminder that America is not the achievement of a single person.” He emphasized, “The most powerful word in our democracy is ‘We.’ ‘We the People.’ ‘We Shall Overcome.’ ‘Yes We Can.’ America isn’t owned by a single person—it belongs to everyone.”
He reflected further, “At this time—when foundational democratic values are under constant threat, and global apathy and cynicism are rampant—this is when we must ponder deeply on reinforcing our democracies to truly serve ordinary citizens.”
Many viewed this statement as an implicit critique of Trump’s approach and policies.
Obama’s remarks were hailed by some as an essential and uplifting voice of reason amidst a challenging political atmosphere. One individual remarked, “I’m trying to celebrate today, but it’s difficult knowing how many will be deprived of vital support due to this bill. That line—‘America is owned by no one. It belongs to all citizens.’—resonated deeply. Amen, sir.”
Another person expressed gratitude, stating, “Thank you. Please continue to share these inspiring words. I have never felt this level of despair before.”
In these turbulent times, messages from influential figures like Obama remind us of the unity and perseverance required to protect the values so essential to democracy.
