Former Presidents Share Messages on America's 250th Birthday

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary on July Fourth, former Presidents Bill Clinton, George Bush, and Barack Obama issued statements reflecting on the nation's founding and its values. Clinton criticized the current administration, stating, "Today, we celebrate this milestone amid another period of deep division, renewed questions about America’s future and role in the world, and serious threats to our own institutions and to our democracy itself." He also addressed immigration policies and the handling of the Iran war. Obama echoed Clinton's sentiment, emphasizing that "America is a constant work in progress" and highlighting the importance of shared values in democracy. Bush called for active citizenship, stating, "the next 250 years requires Americans to be citizens, not spectators," and reminded voters of their power to influence the country's direction through elections.