As Trump commands 250th stage, Democrats offer their vision of patriotism

Source: Washington Post

This weekend’s 250th anniversary celebrations have taken on the overtones of a partisan fight, with President Donald Trump placing himself at the center of the capital’s events by touting military displays, patriotic music and fireworks adorning the “most spectacular TRUMP RALLY of them all.”

The high-profile festivities have forced Democrats, who have long been viewed as the less overtly patriotic party, into a bind. They want to show opposition to Trump without looking like they’re unwilling to celebrate the United States.

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But Democrats are at odds over how to define patriotism. Some focus on democratic governance in the face of what they say is Trump’s antidemocratic agenda. Others have pressed Americans to reexamine slavery and inequality, to live up to the country’s professed vision. A third path ties patriotism to an economic message that mirrors the party’s rhetoric ahead of this year’s midterm elections.

Republicans have for decades sought to claim the mantle of patriotism and national unity through associations with symbols such as the American flag, the national anthem and the military. Just 18 percent of Americans view the Democratic Party as “very patriotic,” compared with 31 percent who say that about Republicans, according to a June YouGov poll.

Read more: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/07/03/trump-headlines-america250-democrats-offer-their-vision-patriotism/