By Jimie Ding and Ben Finley
Los Angeles (AP) According to recent polls, Americans’ sense of national pride has declined during the Trump administration, especially among Democrats, and some are considering skipping this year’s July Fourth celebration altogether.
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However, Scott Allen, a southern California Democrat who is registered, is not one of them. He intended to celebrate the country’s 249th birthday by grilling out and setting off fireworks with a politically diverse group of neighbors.
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 planned across the nation, and some July Fourth festivities were canceled in areas like southern California where immigration raids have shook communities.
Tariffs are another issue for fireworks merchants. On the other hand, record-breaking holiday travel is anticipated.
Here are some things to know about this year’s July Fourth:
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 deployed National Guard troops and Marines as a result of the raids, which have sparked protests throughout the city.
After 90% of participants left, the El Sereno march in Los Angeles was called off.
The predominantly Latino neighborhood is very patriotic, said to organizer Genny Guerrero. But a lot of people are staying away from gatherings 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.
In the meantime, Tamika Middleton, managing director of the Women’s March, stated that events are planned for Independence Day to protest Trump’s policies, which include cuts to Medicaid.
In 2017, the day following Trump’s first inauguration, the group planned the Women’s March on Washington. Events this year will include rallies in major cities as well as low-key potlucks.
To demonstrate support for new citizens, for example, a gathering will be hosted at a naturalization ceremony in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. However, there will be more significant demonstrations in larger cities, such as one outside the City Hall in Houston.
According to Middleton, we’re asking people to imagine what a fully liberated America may look like.
According to Julie Heckman, executive director of the American Pyrotechnics Association, China produces the great majority of fireworks in the United States.
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.
According to Heckman, every American small town will wish to celebrate America’s 250th with a unique fireworks show.
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.
Finley reported from Virginia’s Norfolk.
