As America prepares to celebrate its 249th Independence Day, many Americans are approaching the holiday with mixed emotions. Growing up in New Jersey, rising third-year Amanda Rosenthal recalls a Fourth of July filled with community and joy, marked by neighborhood barbecues and local fireworks. However, this year feels different for her.
“I think the way that I’ve thought about Fourth of July has changed a lot in the past few years, not just in the past few months,” Rosenthal shared.
The current political climate in the United States has added an undercurrent of tension to the festivities, making it difficult for some to fully embrace the idea of celebration.
Rosenthal, a student majoring in business administration and psychology, feels a disconnect between her beliefs and the actions of the government. “It’s a very well-known fact that the government represents the country that it governs, and not agreeing with what our highest form of government is doing makes it really hard to then support the country as a whole,” she explained.
Since taking office, President Donald Trump has enacted sweeping policy changes that have significantly altered the American governance landscape. His controversial decisions include a mass deportation agenda, cuts to essential government programs, and widespread firings of federal workers. These policies have incited various legal challenges across the nation.
In a move on July 4, President Trump signed into law a proposal aimed at stripping thousands of Americans of Medicaid and access to food stamps through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. This legislation represents a significant shift in social welfare policies during his administration.
Moreover, the implementation of what Trump refers to as his “Big, Beautiful Bill” continues to generate debate and dissent across the political spectrum. The bill is characterized by proposed increases in the homeland security budget, as well as the continuation of building a border wall between Mexico and the United States.
On March 15, Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, enabling officials to pursue what he describes as the “largest domestic deportation operation in American history.” This has resulted in legal battles centered on accusations of denying due process to immigrants.
Rising fourth-year Evan Vassilakis, who is pursuing a dual degree in health science and psychology, has experienced a shift in his perspective on American identity since the beginning of Trump’s presidency.
“I’ve never had to question my constitutional rights until this moment,” Vassilakis recalled, emphasizing how recent political events have altered his perception of civic engagement.
Attending protests like the “No Kings but Yes Queens Day” in Boston, which combined a pride parade with anti-Trump sentiments, has encouraged him to consider more actively his role as an American citizen.
“I am really proud that I live in a city like Boston where people can be open about their opinions and their beliefs,” Rosenthal expressed, recognizing the impact of public demonstrations on political discourse and community expression.
In contrast, rising second-year Jack Magee, a mechanical engineering student from Boston, reflects on the importance of maintaining family traditions during the Fourth of July. Spending the holiday with his family in Connecticut, Magee engages in activities such as setting off fireworks and enjoying large cookouts.
He highlights the importance of appreciating the ideals of freedom, service, and sacrifice that the holiday represents. “They’ve always made it a point to take a second and appreciate what you have versus what other people in the world don’t always have,” Magee stated.
Magee, who is part of Northeastern’s Reserve Officers Training Corps program and plans to serve in the Army Reserve or National Guard after graduation, expresses sadness at the increasing division within America. “It makes me sad that so many people have hatred towards others and that people can’t all live in peace,” he remarked, reflecting on the broader implications of recent policy changes.
Vassilakis emphasizes the urgency of advocating for change, particularly concerning healthcare and research policies that he believes will have lasting consequences for the nation. He feels that the time for action is now, as the ideals of Independence Day are seemingly mirrored by current struggles against perceived tyranny.
“We stood up to a tyrant. This is something you’ll hear from progressives a lot recently on the Fourth of July,” Vassilakis noted, drawing parallels between historical struggles for independence and present-day activism.
The American flag, typically a symbol of patriotism and unity, has taken on new meanings in the current political context. For Magee, it serves as a reminder of pride in the nation’s freedoms. “The first thing that comes to my mind is patriotism, and then it makes me feel very prideful,” he said.
In contrast, Rosenthal expresses hesitance regarding the symbolism of the flag, feeling it has been co-opted by specific political groups. “It feels like conservatives and Trump supporters are using the American flag as a Republican symbol,” she shared, highlighting her internal conflict about expressing her patriotism.
Her reluctance raises questions about the evolving nature of American identity among younger generations. “It sort of saddens me that that is my first reaction, because I’ve had conversations with my grandfathers who were veterans and were very proud Americans,” she noted.
This sentiment is echoed by Vassilakis, who believes that the flag should represent a collective identity encompassing all Americans, including undocumented individuals. “It is supposed to represent opportunity, and it’s supposed to represent resistance in my eyes,” he asserted, advocating for a more inclusive narrative around national identity.
As the Fourth of July approaches, this year’s celebrations may carry a deeper significance for many Americans, who find themselves navigating complex emotions tied to their national identity amidst a charged political landscape.
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