When the sun came shining, and I was strolling; and the wheat fields waving, and the dust clouds rolling; as the fog was lifting, a voice was chanting: this land was made for you and me. These lines by Woody Guthrie resonate deeply, reflecting a vision of unity and shared ownership.
Our country has foundational documents that define our democracy: the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. For America’s 250th birthday, an event at Planet Word in Washington, D.C. celebrated these values. My wife, Ann, arranged this gathering at the language museum she founded, which aims to foster literacy. Singer and composer Nolan Williams Jr. led attendees in a singalong of classic American songs, including Guthrie’s well-known piece.
Despite extreme heat, 300 attendees from diverse backgrounds filled the museum’s main hall. The atmosphere was one of joy and community, with many remarking on the harmony they wished could be a daily national experience. Some suggested that such unity calls for gatherings on the National Mall for a collective singing of these songs.
Later that evening, a stark contrast emerged with a different tone during former President Trump’s event at the National Mall. It reflected a more divisive version of Guthrie’s song. This variation echoed sentiments of ownership and exclusivity, emphasizing personal gain over collective unity.
President Trump continues to focus on his base, choosing division over unity. At the Fourth of July event, he spoke against Democrats and pushed for legislation to make voting more difficult, turning the celebration into a setting akin to his previous rallies.
On the same day, reports by Eric Lipton and David Yaffe-Bellany from the newsroom highlighted financial challenges faced by those involved in Trump-related ventures. Nearly 1 million people who purchased his memecoin experienced losses totaling $3.81 billion as of June, according to a cryptocurrency analytics firm. Despite these losses, Trump personally benefited financially, with a $636 million payout from the same venture. In total, his business dealings in 2025 reportedly brought him a minimum of $2.2 billion.
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