Bill Clinton, Obama, Mamdani criticize Trump admin policies on immigration, Iran war in 250th anniversary memo | Today’s news
As Americans gathered across the country on July 4 to celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States, former presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and George Bush shared their messages to the country while taking veiled digs at President-elect Donald Trump and his administration.
ABC News reported on Saturday (local time) that one of the sharpest criticisms came from Clinton, a Democrat who attacked “people in leadership” referring to the current administration.
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Bill Clinton has criticized the Trump administration’s immigration policy and its handling of the war in Iran, drawing attention to the division and threat to democracy in the country.
Former presidents have highlighted the theme of democracy to highlight the ongoing challenges and the need for accountability, shared values and active participation in civic life to ensure a strong democratic society.
Barack Obama contributed by declaring that America is “constantly a work in progress” and shared a video that emphasizes the importance of values and principles that support democracy.
George Bush encouraged Americans to be active citizens rather than spectators, reinforcing the idea that participation in democracy is essential to self-correction and addressing dissatisfaction with the direction of the current administration.
Zohran Mamdani rebuked the policies of the Trump administration and commented on the negative influence of ultra-rich individuals on democracy, expressing concern about economic inequality and the impact on society.
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Former Presidents Criticize Trump in Fourth of July Message
In a statement released Saturday, Clinton said, “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 our very democracy.” He also drew attention to the Trump administration’s immigration policy and its handling of the Iran war.
He added, “There’s still nothing wrong with America that can’t be cured by what’s right with America. We see it in the people who line up to vote, no matter how hard some try to stop them.”
Clinton noted that one of the important lessons of the past 250 years is that the US continues to strive for a more perfect union.
Obama, a Democrat, appeared to echo Clinton’s message, saying, “America keeps going.” He also shared a video of his remarks at the opening of his presidential library, which he said represents the country’s values.
Obama went on to say, “That’s why the exhibits here focus not just on politics, but on the shared values that enable democracy, the belief in the intrinsic dignity and worth of all people, and that no one is above or under the protection of the law.” He added: “A belief in checks and balances in our government and the accountability that comes with an independent judiciary and a strong free press… a belief in the peaceful transfer of power after the people have spoken in a fair and free election.”
In a message posted on social media, George Bush said: “The next 250 years require Americans to be citizens, not spectators.” In an interview with NBC, the former Republican president reminded Americans that if they are unhappy with the direction the country is headed, they can vote, adding that democracy is “self-correcting.”
He said, “The beauty of democracy … is that it heals itself, and if you don’t like what’s going on, vote, and that’s how America heals itself.”
Democrats criticize Trump’s policies
Earlier on Friday, in a speech at New York City Hall, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani also rebuked the US president’s policies and criticized the influence of ultra-rich Americans such as Elon Musk, The Washington Post reported.
Mamdani said: “We are seeing the richest country in the history of the world, a country where children go to bed hungry while the world’s first billionaire is starving for more.” He went on to say: “We see monopolies controlling every industry and oligarchs buying elections. We see masked agents terrorizing our streets, eating food cooked by our undocumented neighbors before being whisked away in unmarked vans.”
Another Democrat, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, also criticized the Trump administration’s policies. He criticized Trump, saying, “I don’t think it’s patriotic to whitewash our history the way Donald Trump is doing, or to rob people of personal liberties and freedoms the way Donald Trump routinely does.”
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He accused the US president of politicizing national celebrations and refused to send a delegation to the Great American State Fair on the National Mall. Shapiro cited $700,000 for attending what he called a “Trump Fair” as the reason, adding that patriotism does not belong to the president.
