Princeton University Professor Eddie Glaude Jr. stated on Tuesday that he finds it difficult to celebrate the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States, citing concerns about systemic racism, policies he believes are detrimental to the country, and the influence of former President Donald Trump.
Glaude, a regular commentator on MSNBC's "Morning Joe," shared his reservations with host Mika Brzezinski, questioning what exactly Americans are celebrating.
"I've been struggling with, what are we actually celebrating?" Glaude asked. He referenced recent Supreme Court decisions, including the Trump v. Slaughter case, suggesting it grants the president "outsized executive power." This concern about executive authority, Glaude noted, echoes passages from his book, "America, U.S.A.: How Race Shadows the Nation's Anniversaries," which begins with the declaration, "I do not love America, and never have, especially now."
His critique extended to other policy areas. Glaude mentioned the "gutting of the Voting Rights Act," the redrawing of congressional districts in the South, and Supreme Court decisions concerning temporary protected status (TPS) and immigration policies that he likened to those of the 1920s. A recent Supreme Court decision, he pointed out, allows the administration to deport TPS holders even if they have resided and worked in the U.S. legally for over a decade.
Furthermore, Glaude accused Trump of attempting to impose a "cult of personality" on the nation, particularly in how the country's anniversaries are framed. He contrasted this with a "storybook version of America" that portrays the nation as a beacon of freedom.
"Or are we looking at the way in which our ideals don’t match up to our practices, our current practices?" Glaude questioned. He expressed worry about the implications for American democracy, stating, "I’m worried about what that means for American democracy."
When asked by Brzezinski about hope, Glaude conveyed a troubled outlook. "The country that made my life possible is being destroyed right in front of me," he said.
The nation is preparing for its 250th anniversary, with events including a visit by President to Mount Rushmore on Friday and a festival and parade in Washington, D.C., on July 4. Revelers have already begun gathering on the National Mall for pre-anniversary events.
Earlier this month, Trump marked the occasion with a UFC event at the White House. In December, he stated on Truth Social that "2026 will be a celebration of America like no other, honoring our nation and all of its glory."
This sentiment contrasts with earlier comments from another MSNBC guest, progressive podcaster Akilah Hughes, who last week suggested the United States might not exist in another 250 years given its current state.