Bill Clinton calls out 'people in charge' in July Fourth message
As America marks its 250th year this July Fourth, former Presidents Bill Clinton, George Bush and Barack Obama shared their messages to the country on its milestone birthday.
And while the messages celebrated the founding of America and its values, including a commitment to always trying to be better and creating a more perfect union, they also appeared to take veiled aim at President Donald Trump’s actions and his administration.
One of the most prominent critiques came from Clinton, a Democrat, who took aim at "the people in charge," referencing the current administration.
"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 to our democracy itself," Clinton said in his statement released Saturday.
Clinton also called out the Trump administration’s immigration tactics and handling of the Iran war.
Clinton also said that one of the major lessons from the last 250 years is that America continues to work toward being a more perfect union.
"There is still nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what’s right with America. We see it in the people lining up to vote, no matter how hard some may try to prevent them," Clinton said.
Obama, a Democrat, seemingly echoed Clinton's message that "America is a constant work in progress" and shared a video of his remarks at the opening of his presidential library, which he says represents the country's values.
"It's why the exhibits here focus not just on policies, but on the shared values that make democracy possible, a belief in the intrinsic dignity and worth of all people and that no one is above the law or beneath its protection," Obama said in the video. "A belief in checks and balances in our government and an accountability that comes with an independent judiciary and a robust free press … a belief in the peaceful transfer of power after the people have spoken in fair and free elections."
In his message on America’s 250th birthday posted on social media, Bush said "the next 250 years requires Americans to be citizens, not spectators."
In an interview with NBC that aired Saturday, Bush, a Republican, reminded Americans that if they don't like the direction the country is going in, they can vote, adding that democracy is "self-correcting."
"The beauty about democracy ... is that it's self-correcting, and if you don't like what's going on, vote, and that's how America heals itself."
