America has had better birthdays. On the 242nd anniversary of our independence, Americans express deep unhappiness with border policies separating immigrant children from parents. Polling suggests that most consider their president dishonest. Financial markets and corporate leaders fear destructive trade wars. As a result, a new Gallup Poll this week found sagging patriotism. For the first time since Gallup began asking the question in 2001, fewer than half of U.S. adults, 47 percent, call themselves extremely proud to be American. Five years ago, the number was 10 percentage points higher. In some ways, the new numbers tell a familiar story: Older Americans express fiercer pride in the country as it exists, than more rebellious young people seeking change. Republican conservatives salute the flag more vigorously than Democratic liberals seeking to disrupt the status quo. For decades, that disparity has fueled the political narrative that led Ronald Reagan’s acolytes to accuse opponents of “blaming America first.” Yet the Gallup findings also reflect the unique challenge Donald Trump’s presidency poses to modern America. His brand of “America First” populism threatens institutions built and sustained by every other president since World War II, for the benefit of America and other nations alike. He has initiated trade conflicts with allies such as Canada and the European Union, as well as adversaries such as China. He has cast doubt on American security commitments that have kept the peace across both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. He explicitly blames America first, ascribing the nation’s problems to the stupidity and incompetence of predecessors in the White House. At the same time, Trump stands apart from America’s “melting pot” tradition — the notion, as House Speaker Paul Ryan likes to say, that the nation is built “on an idea, not an identity.” He backs reductions in legal as well as illegal immigration, while linking Hispanics crossing the southern border to violent crime. He appeals to the racial resentments of his white supporters by denouncing African-American athletes for protesting racial injustice. As America grows ever-more diverse, that places Trump at odds with large chunks of the nation he was elected to lead. And it takes a toll on how those groups feel about their country. Only one group reports greater patriotism than five years ago. Among Republicans, 74 percent call themselves extremely proud to be Americans, up from 71 percent in 2013. Among non-white adults, the proportion saying that has fallen from 47 percent to 33 percent. Among those under 30 – an overlapping group since younger Americans are more racially diverse than older ones – it has plummeted from 55 percent to 33 percent; among women, from 55 percent to 44 percent; among college graduates, from 53 percent to 39 percent. None of this means Americans are repudiating their country. Seven in ten describe themselves as either “extremely” or “very” proud to be Americans. There are plenty of good reasons of pride. Our economy keeps growing and adding jobs. Our military forces remain the most powerful in the world. Crime rates, by recent historical standards, are low. As hot and polarized as political rhetoric has become, there is no prospect of anything resembling “civil war.” And if institutions providing checks and balances in American government have bent under Trump’s presidency, they have not broken. The Justice Department investigation of Russia’s 2016 election meddling, the Trump campaign, and potential obstruction of justice continues under Special Counsel Robert Mueller. Moreover, elections for Congress in November give the majority of Americans who disapprove Trump’s performance the chance to step on the brakes. A separate poll this week, by Quinnipiac University, showed they intend to do just that. The Quinnipiac survey showed Democrats leading by 50 percent to 41 percent in the generic ballot for the House, which is currently controlled by President Trump’s fellow Republicans. The same groups that voiced diminished patriotic fervor to Gallup — Democrats, non-whites, women, the young —expressed the most motivation to exercise voting rights this Election Day that America received at its independence.<doc-sep>Jimmy Fallon could barely contain himself at the time. Just a few months into his new gig as host of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, he stood on the White House South Lawn for the Obama administration's first Independence Day celebration in 2009. The comedian was, to use the his own words, "like freaking out." "I can't believe I'm on the White House lawn. This makes no sense," he said in an interview hours before his evening performance. "I'll never forget this Fourth of July ever," continued Fallon, who would perform on the same stage as A-listers such as the Foo Fighters and singer Michelle Branch. "It's such an honour to be here. I'm so honoured. This is so cool." Performing at the White House is like a really big deal. At least it was during the Obama years, when marquee names lined up to take the hot summer stage on the South Lawn with the National Mall's storied fireworks display going off in the background. Big arena acts such as the Killers, Cedric the Entertainer, Brad Paisley, Pitbull, Bruno Mars, Kendrick Lamar, Janelle Monae and more have performed at the White House's BBQ, concert and firework viewing party, which is organised by the USO for more than a thousand military troops and their families. But that was then. This year, taking the stage will be two American Idol finalists. As in, not actual winners. Ever heard of Jax? Jonny Brenns? Not ringing a bell? You're not alone. And there's also country singer Sara Evans, whose last hit was back when Lost was still on the air (that was 2010, for the record, if you can remember that far back). Big-name acts that seemed old hat during the glittery Obama years have yet to warm up to the Trump administration. A-listers turned down the opportunity to perform at President Donald Trump's inauguration, and Trump was left with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and America's Got Talent contestant (again, not the winner) Jackie Evancho as headliner to belt out the national anthem. With most of Hollywood having stumped for Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, the cold shoulder it collectively gave the Trump administration was far from surprising - especially so soon after the upset election. But it seemed possible that celebs could eventually come around - after all, playing the White House isn't such a bad gig. This year, the Hallmark channel is airing the concert, so there's exposure, too. And despite his penchant for starting grade A-list beef on Twitter, Trump has made some friends among the boldface set. Kim Kardashian, anyone? Recommended Trump corrects tweet boasting about his writing after spelling mistake But it seems that it's still the case that top musicians fear alienating the chunk of their fan base who find Trump toxic. Since taking the Fourth of July gig, Jax, a pop-rock singer who finished third on American Idol in 2015, has faced a social-media backlash. In a recent interview with TMZ, Jax sought to make her decision to play on the White House lawn not about the guy who lives inside. "It's kinda a really unfortunate thing people can't separate politics and patriotism," she said. "I would have jumped at the chance to perform for any president," she tweeted this week. "It's an honour & once in a lifetime opportunity to perform at the White House for a military event." Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Show all 29 1 /29 Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Inauguration - 20 January 2017 US President Donald Trump acknowledges the audience after taking the oath of office as his wife Melania (L) and daughter Tiffany watch during inauguration ceremonies swearing in Trump as the 45th president of the United States on the West Front of the US capital in Washington on 20 January, 2017. Photographer Jim Bourg: "This photo was shot with one of two remote cameras. The cameras were monitored and triggered remotely and the pictures were transmitted to clients worldwide within minutes of being taken." Reuters/Jim Bourg Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Obama farewell address - 10 January 2017 US President Barack Obama wipes away tears as he delivers his farewell address in Chicago on 10 January, 2017. Photographer Jonathan Ernst: "In his final days in office, Obama made a visit home to Chicago. As he spoke from the stage to his wife and daughter in the audience, he became emotional when he talked about what they had sacrificed during his time in office. I turned from photographing the Obama women embracing to find him onstage wiping away tears." Reuters/Jonathan Ernst Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Inauguration - 20 January 2017 A combination of photos shows the crowds attending the inauguration ceremonies to swear in U.S. President Donald Trump at 12:01pm (left) on January 20, 2017 and President Barack Obama sometime between 12:07pm and 12:26pm on January 20, 2009. Reuters/ Lucas Jackson/Stelios Varias Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Liberty Ball - 20 January 2017 US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump attend the Liberty Ball in honour of his inauguration in Washington on 20 January, 2017. Photographer Jonathan Ernst: "What I see when I look at this picture is the end of a very long day, not to mention weeks and months of preparation by many photographers, editors and network experts and the beginning of everything since." Reuters/Jonathan Ernst Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Inaugural Law Enforcement Officers and First Responders Reception - 22 January 2017 US President Donald Trump greets Director of the FBI James Comey as Director of the Secret Service Joseph Clancy (L), watches during the Inaugural Law Enforcement Officers and First Responders Reception in the Blue Room of the White House on 22 January, 2017. Photographer Joshua Roberts: "I have covered the White House for 16 years and normally either the President or the pool is in position when an event starts. In this case the President was not where anyone expected him to be. In fact, he was almost blocking the door when the pool came in.<doc-sep>With the Fourth of July in full swing across the U.S., Hollywood and more have taken to to celebrate Independence Day and America. Some have the immigration situation top of mind, including Mark Hamill and Ellen DeGeneres, while Ron Howard encouraged folks to register to vote. Baby Driver helmer — and Brit — Edgar Wright wondered if Americans “want to come back” to England. Others kept it celebratory and light. Iron Man himself Robert Downey Jr. posted an image of a patriotic version of the popular Marvel character saying, “Happy Birthday America! Wishing you all safe shenanigans and quality time with family and friends.” His fellow Avenger Chris Evans tweeted, “Happy 4th everyone!! I love this country and I’m proud of how far we’ve come. Be safe today! Also, Happy Birthday to a very good friend of mine. I hear 100 is the new 20.” Evans is of course referring to Captain America who was appropriately born on Independence Day. Speaking of Independence Day, Will Smith took to Instagram to post an image of himself and Jeff Goldblum from the 1996 blockbuster with the caption, “You’re Welcome, America!” Others weren’t shy about their opinions about the current state of our country and Donald Trump. Kathy Griffin didn’t mince words and tweeted “Happy Fourth! F*CK TRUMP!” Shortly after, she posted another tweet saying, “#MAGA…Put The Trumps In Prison.” Bill Maher tweeted, “Happy 4th, everybody – hope you’re enjoying celebrating America and everything it used to stand for (sad emoji face).” As for Donald Trump, POTUS delivered a video message in the morning hours and tweeted the country is “doing great.” Maxine Waters, who isn’t exactly a Trump fan, tweeted, “Happy 4th of July! Peace, justice, and equality for all, and that includes the children who have been separated from their parents. In the name of freedom, we must ensure we reconnect the children and parents who’ve been apart from one another for far too long.” Hillary Clinton tweeted, “242 years ago, we set out to build a more perfect union. We’re not finished yet. Happy Fourth.” Check out a sampling of 4th of July messages below: Today would be a good day to remember the 2,300+ immigrant children separated from their families.#SadAndUnAmerican pic.twitter.com/Per20oQ8gH — Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) July 4, 2018 Happy Birthday [AMERICA]- A Nation of Immigrants 242 Years Young! As you barbecue with family & friends, remember that however much you might love fireworks, they terrify our dogs & cats, so please protect them in any way you can think of. 🐶🐱🎇🎆🧨 pic.twitter.com/kDn7GgSq5j — Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) July 4, 2018 Happy 4th of July! This country of immigrants, religious refugees, outcasts and dreamers has come a long way. Let’s keep going. — Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) July 4, 2018 #HappyBirthdayAmerica I have a request as a guy who believes in the principles of our gr8 nation. As you celebrate w/fam&friends please talk about re-committing yourselves to register/think/vote Be counted in local, state &national elections Don’t let the few drive the system pic.twitter.com/JD58ugLbRM — Ron Howard (@RealRonHoward) July 4, 2018 Somebody is feeling festive!!! Thinking a lot about freedom today. I believe in the power of the people. And I believe in love. #WeMatter We the people. All of us. Be safe y’all. And love each other. https://t.co/fO3IEWItGT pic.twitter.com/aPnGOrgNej — kerry washington (@kerrywashington) July 4, 2018 Happy Resistance Day! The revolt continues, some 242 years later. C’mon, people! Let’s finish this! — Michael Moore (@MMFlint) July 4, 2018 To my American friends: a) Happy Independence Day b) Do you guys want to come back? — edgarwright (@edgarwright) July 4, 2018 Happy Birthday America! Wishing you all safe shenanigans and quality time with family and friends… #Happy4th #USA #TeamStark pic.twitter.com/3Utr6Eoy03 — Robert Downey Jr (@RobertDowneyJr) July 4, 2018 Happy 4th everyone!! I love this country and I’m proud of how far we’ve come. Be safe today! Also, Happy Birthday to a very good friend of mine. I hear 100 is the new 20 — Chris Evans (@ChrisEvans) July 4, 2018 Happy 4th of July to my American friends! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 Thank you for welcoming me into your country with open arms. My second home! #thankful #FourthOfJuly2018 pic.twitter.com/vxPquRgzv3 — David Villa (@Guaje7Villa) July 4, 2018 “If ever a time should come, when vain and aspiring men shall possess the highest seats in Government, our country will stand in need of its experienced patriots to prevent its ruin.” – Samuel Adams Happy 4th of July — John Fugelsang (@JohnFugelsang) July 4, 2018 Spent my Fourth arguing about America in France just like Thomas goddamned Jefferson. — Michael Ian Black (@michaelianblack) July 4, 2018 Happy 4th of July, America! — Finn Cole (@FinnCole) July 4, 2018 On this #FourthOfJuly, it’s worth pondering the true meaning of American patriotism—as opposed to the distorted view of it propounded by Trump and Fox News. Here are the 5 principles of true patriots: pic.twitter.com/wLX7HkbJO1 — Robert Reich (@RBReich) July 4, 2018 #MAGA…Put The Trumps In Prison 🇺🇸🏳️‍🌈🇺🇸🏳️‍🌈🇺🇸🏳️‍🌈🇺🇸🏳️‍🌈🇺🇸🏳️‍🌈🇺🇸🏳️‍🌈🇺🇸 — Kathy Griffin (@kathygriffin) July 4, 2018 Oh, and I forgot to mention, yesterday the Justice Dept. and Education Dept. killed Affirmative Action. And a Happy Fourth to you too, POC!! APPALLING. — Bette Midler (@BetteMidler) July 4, 2018 You never know when its going to be your last birthday. Happy 4th! — marc maron (@marcmaron) July 4, 2018 "Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves." – Abraham Lincoln. May we deserve freedom. Happy Fourth. 🗽 — Anna Chlumsky (@AnnaChlumsky) July 4, 2018 Happy 4th of July! The new National Anthem is the theme song to America’s Funniest Home videos until further notice. — Ronald Funches (@RonFunches) July 4, 2018 Happy 4th, everybody – hope you're enjoying celebrating America and everything it used to stand for (sad emoji face). — Bill Maher (@billmaher) July 4, 2018 Happy Fourth of July….Our Country is doing GREAT! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 4, 2018 Happy 4th of July! Peace, justice, and equality for all, and that includes the children who have been separated from their parents.<doc-sep>Donald Trump Jr. celebrated the fourth of July with his new girlfriend Kimberly Guilfoyle — and with his father President Donald Trump Donald Trump Jr. Brings Kimberly Guilfoyle to White House for July 4th as He Shares Odd Images of His Dad “A very Happy 4th of July to everyone!” Trump Jr., 40, wrote alongside a series of pictures of the pair posing together on Wednesday. Get push notifications with news, features and more. “It was great meeting all the veterans and active duty service members visiting the White House! Today is America’s birthday, and we are making it GREAT again!” he continued. In one of the photos, the pair smiled with their arms around each other, while in another, Guilfoyle, 49, was seen shaking the president’s hand in the Oval Office. Guilfoyle also documented the festive fourth on her own social media account, sharing a photo of the pair smiling while holding hands outside of the White House. “An incredible afternoon at the White House! Thankful and proud to be an American! God bless all our troops & God keep our nation safe. Happy Independence Day 🇺🇸❤💃🏾@donaldjtrumpjr,” she captioned the snapshot. Trump Jr. and Guilfoyle reportedly started dating in April, just a month after Trump Jr.’s estranged wife, Vanessa, filed for divorce after more than 12 years of marriage. The former couple’s divorce has yet to be finalized. The July 4th visit comes just a week after the president’s eldest son and the Fox News host went on a fishing trip together in Montana. Trump Jr. also gave his father a series of bizarre shoutouts on social media for the July Fourth holiday, sharing a series of patriotic fan-created images on Instagram. In one image, Trump is depicted wearing an old-fashioned uniform while holding a massive weapon in one hand. Meanwhile, a bald eagle is perched on his other arm, while an American flag waved in the background amid battle imagery. “This is amazing. #fourthofjuly #4thofjuly #trump #maga🇺🇸🦅🇺🇸🦅🇺🇸🦅🇺🇸,” his son captioned the image. The second post appears to depict his father as Salt Bae, only instead of salt, “Freedom Bae” is sprinkling red white and blue stars. “Newly discovered footage of Freedom Bae!!! Just sprinkling a bit of freedom for all of us to enjoy this #independenceday weekend. Also continuing my quest to take out pop culture terms😂🇺🇸🦅😂🇺🇸🦅#trump#bae #freedom #fourthofjuly #4thofjuly,” he wrote alongside the photo. RELATED VIDEO: PEOPLE Writer Natasha Stoynoff Breaks Silence, Accuses Donald Trump of Sexual Attack Earlier in the day, Trump Jr. also shared an image of a man riding on a bald eagle while flying over Mount Rushmore. In one hand the man holds a shotgun, while in the other he holds an American flag. “Leaving work today like…” was written alongside the image.<doc-sep>
WASHINGTON – Amid political tests and tensions, President Donald Trump spent Wednesday's July Fourth holiday golfing, tweeting and hosting a White House picnic for military families. "Melania and I are honored to celebrate American independence with the heroes who protect American independence," Trump told troops and family members who gathered on the White House lawn for barbecue and fireworks. Earlier in the day, the president spent nearly four hours at the Trump National Golf Club in suburban Virginia on a 94-degree day. Trump also found time for some holiday tweeting, including another demand that oil-producing countries increase production to offset rising U.S. gas prices. "The OPEC Monopoly must remember that gas prices are up & they are doing little to help," the president tweeted. Other tweets hailed Independence Day itself. In addition to a general salutation – "Happy Fourth of July....Our Country is doing GREAT!" – Trump tweeted out a video in which he salutes the authors of the Declaration of Independence and the American soldiers who won the revolutionary war against Great Britain. Trump also saluted current members of the U.S. armed forces – "truly special people" – saying "we are in awe of their courage, and we are eternally in their debt." The low-key holiday came as Trump prepares for high stakes events in the coming days. The president is deciding whom to nominate to replace retiring Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy, a decision he said he will announce Monday; the next day, Trump is scheduled to leave for Europe on a trip that includes a NATO summit and a meeting with Russia President Vladimir Putin. More:'Our most fundamental values are under attack': Democrats issue bleak July Fourth statement More:Supreme Court nominee short list features candidates President Trump likes for different reasons More:Donald Trump tells NATO allies to pay more for defense, raising tensions ahead of summit Some of Trump's critics, meanwhile, marked the Fourth of July by protesting administration policies ranging from immigration to the imminent Supreme Court selection. "Everywhere we look, our most fundamental values are under attack," said Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez in his Independence Day statement. "Thousands of children have been separated from their parents at our southern border," Perez said. "At our highest court, workers' rights are being taken away, voting rights are under assault, Muslim Americans are being discriminated against for their faith, and women's right to choose is under threat like never before." The president and first lady Melania Trump wrapped up the day at the picnic for military families, who were able to watch fireworks from the South Lawn of the White House. While praising members of every branch of the military, Trump also threw in a plug for his proposed "space force," saying that "everyone's very excited" about the idea. In tying Independence Day to a salute to the U.S. military, Trump said: "American liberty has been earned through the blood, sweat, and sacrifice of American patriots."