Kamala Harris’ Fourth of July post lit a fuse of controversy. The former vice president’s somber message and a curiously cropped photo sparked a social media firestorm. Critics pounced, sensing a deeper political snub.
The Daily Caller reported that on July 4, 2025, Harris, the former Democratic presidential nominee, shared a reflective message on X, paired with an image of her and husband Doug Emhoff watching fireworks.
The post omitted President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, despite their presence at the event. Social media users quickly noticed the exclusion, fueling heated commentary.
Harris’ message struck a dour note, far from the usual patriotic cheer. “This Fourth of July, I am taking a moment to reflect. Things are hard right now,” she wrote.
Such pessimism on a day of national celebration raised eyebrows among conservatives, who value unapologetic pride in America.
The second part of Harris’ quote didn’t salvage the mood. “They are probably going to get worse before they get better,” she added. This grim forecast clashed with the optimism expected from leaders on Independence Day, inviting sharp rebukes.
Kiersten Pels, a Republican National Committee spokeswoman, didn’t hold back. “Feeling grateful we didn’t end up with a President who posts ‘things are gonna get worse’ on the 4th of July,” Pels quipped. Her jab underscored the conservative view that Harris’ leadership lacks the uplifting spirit America craves.
Radio host Mark Simone piled on with equal zest. “Kamala sets a new record for the worst 4th of July message ever,” he declared. Simone’s critique resonated with those who see Harris as out of touch with the nation’s pulse.
The photo Harris chose added fuel to the fire. It showed her and Emhoff, likely on a White House balcony, but conspicuously excluded the Bidens, who were mere feet away. A wider shot, shared by Link Lauren, a former adviser to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., revealed the full scene.
Lauren’s post on July 4, 2025, pointed out the omission. “Kamala cropping Joe out is very symbolic,” Lauren remarked. The comment struck a chord, suggesting Harris might be distancing herself from Biden’s legacy.
Social media buzzed with speculation about the cropped image. Conservatives interpreted it as a calculated move, perhaps signaling Harris’ ambition to step out of Biden’s shadow. The symbolism, intentional or not, fed narratives of Democratic disunity.
Harris’ post came at a time of shifting Democratic support. An Emerson College poll from June showed only 13% of Democrats backed Harris for the 2028 primary, down from 37% in November. This decline suggests her influence within the party is waning.
The Fourth of July gaffe didn’t help her case. Critics argue Harris’ message and photo choice reflect a broader disconnect with voters. Conservatives, in particular, see her as embodying a progressive agenda that dampens national pride.
Yet, Harris’ defenders might argue she was aiming for authenticity. Her call to “fight for the ideals of our nation” could resonate with those who value candid leadership. Still, the timing and execution misfired spectacularly.
The backlash highlights a broader conservative critique of Democratic messaging. Harris’ post, rather than uniting Americans, seemed to dwell on division and hardship. For MAGA supporters, this reinforces their belief in a return to unapologetic patriotism.
The cropped photo, whether a deliberate snub or an oversight, amplified the controversy. It handed critics a visual metaphor for Democratic dysfunction. In a polarized climate, such missteps carry outsized weight.
