Deep political divisions in the United States are shaping attitudes towards the country’s upcoming 250th anniversary of independence, with many Americans unsure whether they can mark the milestone together, according to interviews, polling data and local accounts in Pennsylvania’s Bucks County, a key swing region, says Reuters.
The semi quincentennial of the July 4, 1776 Declaration of Independence is expected to be marked nationwide with fireworks, parades and official events, but respondents told Reuters that polarisation linked to the Trump era is making even the idea of celebration divisive. One in five Americans say they will not take part in Independence
Day festivities this year, including a quarter of Democrats and 8% of Republicans, while 40% believe the country may not endure another 250 years, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll.
In Bucks County, where Donald Trump won narrowly in 2024, the split is reflected in sharply contrasting personal views. Betsy Halsey, a 63-year-old retired teacher and Democrat voter, said she refuses to celebrate because she does not want to “be at the same party” as those enthusiastic about the country’s direction under Trump. She still keeps memorabilia from the 1976 bicentennial in her childhood bedroom.
By contrast, 70-year-old Republican Dan Marrazzo, a laundromat owner in nearby Langhorne Manor, plans to celebrate with family and friends, arguing that even the poorest Americans enjoy a higher standard of living than many elsewhere in the world.
“The poorest person in America has a better lifestyle than some of the richest people in the rest of the world,” he said.
Historians say such divisions reflect broader unease about national identity. Beverly Gage of Yale University said the act of celebration itself has become politicised, with widespread pessimism defining the moment.
Bucks County, once considered politically quiet, now mirrors national tensions over elections, education and historical interpretation, including disputes over alleged election fraud and school curricula.
The White House has placed itself at the centre of the anniversary planning. A public-private initiative, Freedom 250, was launched last year alongside the congressionally mandated America250 commission, which had long prepared official commemorations.
Freedom 250’s flagship event is the Great American State Fair on the National Mall, opened with a rally-style appearance by Trump, who is also expected to speak on July 4.
The initiative has drawn criticism from Democratic-led states and some performers who declined participation, citing concerns over political influence. The US Mint also plans to issue a commemorative gold coin featuring Trump’s likeness.
In Bucks County, some residents say they feel unable to take part in July 4 events. Tabitha Dell’Angelo, a 56-year-old college professor and former Democratic school board member, said she would normally celebrate but feels the current version of events is too closely tied to Trump. “I love my country. I am a proud American,” she said.
“But this version of the celebration does not feel like it’s about America, but instead a celebration of Trump.”
Others argue the anniversary should transcend politics. Jim Worthington, a 69-year-old Trump supporter and gym owner, said the 250-year milestone should be honoured regardless of political differences, describing it as “the greatest experiment in the history of the world”.
Local organisers say they are trying to keep events neutral. Dick Creter, who runs the America Celebrates nonprofit organising events in New Hope, Pennsylvania, and Lambertville, New Jersey, said participants have sought assurances the programme is non-partisan. He warned against allowing the milestone to pass without engagement across political lines.
Across history, major anniversaries have fallen during periods of national strain, historians note, including the post-Civil War era in 1876 and the Vietnam War and Watergate period in 1976. Gage said Americans often misjudge their own historical moment, adding that periods of crisis are frequently followed by major change.
At Washington Crossing Historic Park in Bucks County, where George Washington’s 1776 Delaware River crossing is commemorated, organisers have expanded research into the roles of women, Black soldiers and civilians in the war effort.
Jennifer Martin, who oversees the site, said the approach remains non-partisan and focused on historical accuracy.
John Godzieba, a retired police officer who portrays Washington in reenactments, said he expected most Americans to participate in the spirit of the day, even if divisions remain.
“Maybe on July 5, they’ll go back to being angry and disenchanted,” he said. “But I think on July 4, they will be here.”
