Former President Barack Obama used his Independence Day message to take a not-so-subtle swipe at President Donald Trump, warning Americans that the nation’s strength lies in unity—not one man’s ego.
The remarks, released early Thursday morning, came hours after Trump turned what was billed as a bipartisan celebration into a self-congratulatory campaign rally in Des Moines, Iowa. The president delivered a brash, triumphant speech before a packed crowd, boasting about his accomplishments and launching attacks on Democrats.
“It’s been the greatest two weeks any president has ever had,” Trump declared. “We passed the One Big Beautiful Bill—nobody thought we could do it. But we did. We’ve saved the country.”
The legislation, which includes sweeping budget reallocations and a reorganization of key federal agencies, passed Congress by a razor-thin margin last week. Its details remain controversial, including the elimination of USAID as an independent agency.
“America’s comeback has never been stronger,” Trump continued. “This second term is going to make the first one look like a warm-up act.”
Obama Counters with Call for Collective Strength
But Obama’s message was clear: patriotism is not pageantry—and certainly not a personality cult.
Independence Day is a reminder that America is not the project of any one person. The single most powerful word in our democracy is the word ‘We.’ ‘We The People.’ ‘We Shall Overcome.’ ‘Yes We Can.’ America is owned by no one. It belongs to all citizens. And at this moment in…
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) July 4, 2025
“Independence Day is a reminder that America is not the project of any one person,” Obama wrote in a statement posted to social media. “The single most powerful word in our democracy is ‘We.’ ‘We the People.’ ‘Yes We Can.’ America belongs to all its citizens—not just those with power or a microphone.”
Without naming Trump directly, Obama called on Americans to resist “cynicism and disengagement,” and to instead engage in the difficult work of building a democracy that functions for everyone.
“At this moment in history—when core democratic principles are under attack—it is more important than ever to ask ourselves how we can protect and strengthen our republic,” he added.
Second Swipe in a Week
Obama’s comments mark the second time in just days that he’s criticized Trump’s leadership. Earlier this week, he appeared in a rare joint video with former President George W. Bush, condemning Trump’s decision to fold USAID into the State Department—a move critics say guts America’s ability to provide global humanitarian aid.
“Gutting USAID is a travesty, and it’s a tragedy,” Obama said bluntly.
Bush, who launched the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) during his time in office, didn’t mince words either.
“Twenty-five million people are alive today because of that program,” Bush said. “Is it in our national interest to abandon that kind of legacy? I don’t think so.”
White House Silent on the Blowback
The White House has not responded to Obama’s remarks. However, insiders say Trump is unlikely to back down. A senior campaign aide told a conservative outlet Thursday morning, “President Trump is too busy rebuilding America to care about retired politicians who only show up to throw stones.”
Still, the message from Obama—and the unusual alliance with Bush—has stirred attention as the 2026 midterms loom.
As one former senior Obama adviser put it: “When Barack Obama and George W. Bush are saying the same thing, maybe Americans should listen.”
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Obama, A president that’s only accomplishment was to fund Iran. It is Obama and the left that is a threat to this country.
“Unity” is with Trump and against lying evil piece of shiiiiite Obummer!
Cbuthead and Bush, were two of the worst presidents, in American history. Bush got us into two wars. Obuthead failed in everything he tried to do. Who the fk are two, to tell anyone who right or wrong, u both need to stfu. Trump has done more in 6 months, than u two, incompetent, traitors, did in two terms each. Don’t make us laugh, who’s the fools here. are. Trump will go down as the greatest American presiden,t in history, because he has balls, which neither of u ever had. Sit back. and watch America flourish, thanks to what our president has done.
Says the dude with the swelled head!
yes, his protege biden was such a great unifier 🤣🤮
When every democrat votes against the OBBB and then Obama and Bush rail against the shutdown of USAID we see what a lack of patriotism looks like. America is on the way back after 4 years of absolute humiliation from the world.
Thank you president Trump
Obama the great racist divider, in my opinion the first illegitimate president, who gave billions to our enemy On the last night of his bigotry against Americans has the nerve to criticize our beloved President, typical do nothing hateful man. What has any democrat done for America? Except line their own pockets, as for me I’d never vote for any democrat your a party of liars, doom and gloom socialists who haven’t one ounce
Of love for our country so please be quiet your part of the problem not a solution, so pack your bags, shut your mouth and by all means leave and go to a country that supports your sick agenda!
Who cares what the washed up has been has to say. He is the one that started America’s decline and Biden finished it off almost. Thank God for Trump who has brought America back! In addition to low inflation, job growth, getting rid of woke and DEI, I’m proud to be an American and the rest of the world respects us. Iran is toast and while Obama gave them appeasement and money, Trump shot 100 ton missiles up their Ass.
you folks just wait. you’ll be crying in 6 months. and not happy tears. hoping you all get just what you voted for.
Re-Repeating the Official Democrat Party LIE won’t make it happen…
We ARE getting what we VOTED FOR! And LOVING IT!
He needs to dry up like the pile of shit he is and blow away
Sorry but I feel T is trying to turn us into his personal country. Do what I say or your fired. Like he is still on the Apprentice. He is taking care of his upper class and killing everyone under him. The people who need the most are going to get the least. He wants to save the country money? Yet he want to spend a Hugh amount on building a dance and dinner hall that none of the 90% of us will ever see. Most are rich by family, the rest are rich on the backs of the very people they are going to hurt. They are locking up most legal people that should be here. They have their paperwork or are legal citizens born here. In my opinion just so T can reach the quota he wants to show the top guys how many criminals are here. But he is locking up innocent people. And now they are living in cages, treated like crap, in a “tent” that can easily be torn into by an alligator. He he going to bring back the legal, innocent people he locked up? Probably not because his numbers will drop. WHY I ask is he against us poorer people? What have we done to him?
Cindy, You did see the tax cuts, the no tax on Tips and social security in the new Bill or didn’t you actually read it? Dont just spew Democrat talking points do your own research! I read the bill did you?
Juju
I wish you studied a little more history and understood what appeasement, and spending to get votes did to EVERY hegemonic power in history. Learn and study how the CCP bought and paid for our politicians who then lined their pockets at our expense. Just look as Biden’s 170 SAR reports and you’ll understand why the spy balloon happened. You’ll understand why democrat Govenor Hobbs (AZ) voted against a bill passed by the legislature banning the CCP and its SOEs from owning land next to our military bases in the US!!! Enough is enough! Trump may personally be a Dick, but he’s our Dick taking on all comers to put things right because of his ego!!
Go Trump! Go common sense!!
BTW I raised almost $1 million dollars for Bush because the alternatives the Democrats put forward were far worse!! When will you Democrats put forward someone of JFKs stature, balls, abilities and common sense???
President Obama apology tour to the Islamic world specifically the mid east showed the entire country here’s a Muslim lover who hates America. Iran and Obama agreements and pallets of cash to Iran laid the ground work for what thank God President Trump fixed. Obama is a historic idiot of a President a real dead beat go home to Michelle if she’ll even have you?
Obama got us into deals with Iran & wasted tax dollars on radical liberal ideas, helped our enemies rise & abandoned our allies.
He’s been out of office for 8 years & still is the incompetent, idiot he was 8 years ago we don’t need his biased opinions. Actions speak louder than words.
Obama is opening his mouth again. Ya your right but your the one that thought all should bow to you. At least President Trump is honest and keeping his promises, all while not making a cent. He actually works for me. What exactly did you do for me? You are as corrupt as those others, but you know that don’t you. Jealous is not becoming on you. I figured with all your family problems you would keep busy. Oh I forgot your to busy lying about everything, covering up your corruption. President Trump actually helps working class, unlike you too busy playing king in Hollywood. To bad they don’t understand why Americans voted democrats out. Weaponized government, corrupted government, lying government and downright illegal President in you. You just taught others how to be so corrupt and lying not truth. You supported illegals over Americans in every which way. Then your hate for President Trump was pathetic. Your just mad because you don’t get to play king and ruin our country all in the name of treason. I would be embarrassed if I was you. Your own family don’t want you around. Telling isn’t it. You bought and threatened for power. President Trump is just loved. Even your voters are turning on democrats stupidity. All of you should be behind bars for what you done to this country and it’s people. Obama for someone who hangs out with rich white guys you publicly stated you hated and wanted to take their money and status just to watch them squirm. Let’s not forget all the behind closed door deals you made for yourself. You have done nothing but undermine our President Trump and why? Money train running low with amount your wife wants to keep her mouth shut about what she knows? I want to see you all in orange, behind bars. To bad your so called friends don’t know truth what you say about them in private. If they did you would run for the boarder so fast. To bad your real birth certificate went down in accident, right? Maybe we can get the man Homan to deport your butt.
Why don’t you just go away…quietly if that’s possible!
F this Islamist terrorist. He belongs back
Let’s see next year how you feel .If you voted for Trump you are responsible for these people put into a jail in the Everglades so sad to see America acting like this.
Will feel a hell of a lot better then the mental midgets who
Voted for the alcoholic harris
The people listening to anything Obama says are seriously mentally retarded. ..
When the two worst presidents in US history take aim at one of the better ones, it’s time to realize what vermin our Islamo-Nazi-in-chief, may he suffer a protracted and agonizing death, and W truly are. They both were disgraceful ‘chief executives’ and the Obamination is a first-rate traitor, having done all he could to destroy the country he was elected to lead. I am glad he was able to stop crying, as it must have been quite a jag, as his favorite brother terrorists were destroyed. If anyone deserves that, he does.
Democratic principles aren’t under attack, we are fighting against liberal marxism. OB has always been a marxist. That’s why the communist have not run candidates since Gus Hall and Angela Davis. They say vote democrat.