As the United States marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence this weekend, Donald Trump is commandeering the celebrations to focus on himself, according to a report by Jonathan Freedland and Yoni Appelbaum of The Atlantic.
Trump's Self-Centered Anniversary
The milestone, which should be a moment of national unity, has been overshadowed by Trump's efforts to center the narrative around his own political ambitions and grievances. The former president has planned a series of events and rallies that coincide with the anniversary, drawing attention away from the historical significance.
Yoni Appelbaum, a historian and senior editor at The Atlantic, noted that many Americans are feeling less patriotic than in previous years. "The sense of shared national identity has eroded, and Trump is exploiting that for his own gain," Appelbaum said in the podcast.
Declining Patriotism
Appelbaum's research indicates that trust in institutions and national pride have declined significantly over the past decade. He pointed to polling data showing that only about half of Americans describe themselves as "extremely proud" to be American, down from 70% in 2003.
"This anniversary should be a time for reflection on our founding ideals, but instead it's become a political battleground," Appelbaum added.
Trump's Takeover
David Smith, a journalist covering US politics, wrote an analysis of Trump's takeover of America's 250th birthday. Smith interviewed Thomas Jefferson's sixth great-grandson, who expressed dismay at how the celebration has been politicized. "The Declaration of Independence belongs to all Americans, not to any one person or party," the descendant said.
Trump's campaign events are scheduled in key swing states, using the patriotic backdrop to rally his base. Critics argue this undermines the nonpartisan spirit of the anniversary.
Historical Context
The 250th anniversary comes at a time of deep political division. Appelbaum's piece on American history highlights how past anniversaries have been moments of unity, such as the 1976 bicentennial. In contrast, the current climate of polarization has made such unity elusive.
Listeners can tune into the podcast 'Politics Weekly America' for more discussion, and read David Smith's full analysis online. The Guardian is also running a series on the state of American democracy.
