Bill Clinton calls out ‘people in charge’ in July Fourth message
As America celebrates its 250th anniversary on July 4, former Presidents Bill Clinton, George Bush and Barack Obama shared their messages to the country on this landmark birthday.
While the messages celebrated America’s founding and its values, including a commitment to always striving to be better and to create a more perfect union, they also appeared to subtly target America. President Donald Trump’s actions and its management.
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One of the most striking criticisms came from Democrat Clinton, who targeted “responsible people”, referring to the current administration.
“Today, we celebrate this milestone at a time of deep division, renewed questions about America’s future and role in the world, and serious threats to our own institutions and democracy,” Clinton said in a statement Saturday. he said.
Clinton also touched on the Trump administration’s immigration tactics and its stance on the Iran war.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images, FILE – PHOTO: Former President Bill Clinton speaks at a celebration of the life of the late Rep. Barney Frank at the Longworth House Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.
Clinton also said that one of the most important lessons from the last 250 years is that America continues to work toward becoming a more perfect union.
Clinton said, “There is still nothing wrong with America that cannot be healed by what is right with America. We see it in people lining up to vote, no matter how hard some try to stop them.” he said.
Obama, a Democrat, seemingly echoed Clinton’s message that “America is a constant work in progress” and shared a video of his speech at the opening of the presidential library, which he said represents the country’s values.
Win McNamee/Getty Images – PHOTO: Former President Barack Obama speaks during the opening ceremony of the Barack Obama Presidential Center at John Lewis Plaza on June 18, 2026 in Chicago.
“So the exhibits here focus not just on policies, but on the shared values that make democracy possible, on the belief in the essential dignity and worth of all people, and on the belief that no one is above or protected by the law,” Obama said in the video. he said. “Belief in checks and balances in our government and the accountability that comes with an independent judiciary and a strong free press…belief in a peaceful transfer of power after the people have their say in fair and free elections.”
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In his message on social media for America’s 250th birthday, Bush said, “The next 250 years require Americans to be citizens, not spectators.”
In an interview broadcast Saturday on NBC, Republican Bush reminded Americans that they can vote if they don’t like the direction of the country and added that democracy is “self-correcting.”
“The beauty of democracy…is that it can be self-correcting, and if you’re not happy with what’s going on, vote, that’s how America heals itself.”
