According to recent polls, Americans’ sense of national pride has declined under the Trump administration, especially among Democrats, and some are considering skipping this year’s July Fourth celebration altogether.
However, Scott Allen, a southern California Democrat who is registered, is not one of them. He intended to grill out and light off fireworks with a politically diverse group of neighbors to celebrate the country’s 249th birthday.
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He will be reflecting on his father, a U.S. Marine, and how pleased he is of our freedom to do anything we choose.
We are able to demonstrate. Allen, 60, of Lakewood, a neighborhood immediately south of Los Angeles, stated, “We can have free speech.”
For many Americans, this Independence Day may feel different. Protests against Trump’s policies are scheduled across the nation, and some July Fourth celebrations have been canceled in southern California.
Tariffs are another issue for fireworks merchants. On the other hand, record-breaking holiday travel is anticipated.
Here are some facts regarding this year’s July Fourth:
Celebrations in California have been canceled.
Because of safety worries over the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, some communities in the Los Angeles area have canceled their Independence Day celebrations.
Trump has sent Marines in response to the raids, which have lasted for weeks.
After 90% of participants left, the El Sereno march in Los Angeles was called off.
The bulk of the Latino population is highly patriotic, said to organizer Genny Guerrero, but many individuals are boycotting events because they are afraid of immigration officials.
Guerrero claimed that everyone is at risk since they are detaining anyone who is brown, regardless of citizenship.
Last year, 20,000 people attended a downtown block celebration, but it was postponed. Bell Gardens and other southeastern Los Angeles suburbs have completely canceled their festivities.
Protest-related events
Meanwhile, Independence Day events are organized in protest of Trump s policies, including , said Tamika Middleton, managing director of Women s March.
The next day, in 2017, the group planned the Women’s March on Washington. Events this year will include everything from small-scale potlucks to large-scale city rallies.
To demonstrate support for new citizens, for example, a gathering will be hosted at a naturalization ceremony in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. major demonstrations, however, will take place in major cities, such as outside Houston’s City Hall.
Middleton stated, “We’re asking people to imagine what a truly free America might look like.”
Fireworks and tariffs
“the great majority of fireworks in the United States,” stated Julie Heckman, the American Pyrotechnics Association’s executive director.
Heckman added that when the trade conflict with China intensified, duties on fireworks manufactured in China rose to 145% in April. In May, Trump announced a 90-day halt, maintaining the 30% tariffs on Chinese fireworks.
Heckman stated that since the shells were bought months ago, the tariffs will not significantly affect city fireworks displays. Retailers that sell backyard pyrotechnics are complaining to her that they aren’t charging customers the 30% charge.
However, Heckman stated that next year will be different because tariffs of 30% or more are unsustainable for companies. The sector is looking ahead to 2026 with caution.
“To commemorate America’s 250th, every small town in the country will want a special fireworks display,” Heckman added.
Holiday trip that breaks records
Over 72 million people were scheduled to travel at least 50 miles (80 kilometers) from their homes, according to auto club AAA. Two weekends are included in AAA’s prediction to properly account for holiday travel.
According to AAA, about 62 million people will drive, a 2.2% increase over 2024 and the largest number ever recorded. Although there have been occasional price rises for drivers, summer gas prices remain the lowest since 2021.
According to AAA, around six million passengers will travel, a 4% increase from the previous year. This July Fourth week will be the busiest in 15 years, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
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Finley reported from Virginia’s Norfolk.
