Former President Barack Obama stated on Thursday that the Founding Fathers of the United States "fell terribly short" in their adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 due to their failure to abolish slavery. His remarks were made during the opening of his presidential library in Chicago, attended by other former presidents including Bill Clinton, George Bush, and Joe Biden. The library, which cost $850 million to construct, opened 3,437 days after Obama left office.
Obama emphasized that while the founders did not fulfill the promise of equality stated in the Declaration, they created a constitutional framework that allows future generations to improve the union. He noted that over the past two centuries, various groups have worked through protests and petitions to expand the definition of democracy to include all citizens.
The Obama family has previously expressed critical views of America's history, with Michelle Obama stating in 2008 that she was proud of her country for the first time during her husband's presidential campaign.
Obama's comments come as the United States prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. In anticipation of this milestone, former President Donald Trump announced plans for a large fireworks display to celebrate Independence Day, which will begin on June 24 with performances by military bands and a flyover by Air Force jets.