A group of Hollywood actors and public figures used the 250th anniversary of the United States to send a political message against President Donald Trump and his administration.
In a video released around the anniversary celebrations, several well known actors urged Americans to defend democratic values and resist what they described as authoritarian politics. The message was based on ideas from the book On Tyranny by historian Timothy Snyder, which warns citizens not to become passive when democratic institutions are under pressure.
Among those who appeared or supported the campaign were actors and artists known for publicly expressing political views in the past. Their message encouraged citizens to stay engaged, question political power and protect basic democratic principles.
The video was released during a period when America’s 250th anniversary celebrations have already become politically sensitive. While many official events focused on patriotism, history and national pride, critics have argued that some parts of the celebration have been too closely connected to Trump’s political image.
Trump and his supporters, on the other hand, have presented the anniversary as a moment to celebrate American strength, independence and national identity. The president marked the occasion with major public events and speeches, while his administration has promoted the anniversary as one of the largest patriotic celebrations in recent US history.
The celebrity campaign shows how divided American public life remains, even during a national anniversary that is usually expected to bring citizens together. For supporters of the video, the message is a call to protect democracy. For Trump’s supporters, it is likely to be seen as another example of political activism from Hollywood.
The debate reflects a broader reality in the United States, where culture, entertainment and politics are increasingly connected. As America marks 250 years since the Declaration of Independence, the anniversary has become not only a celebration of history, but also a moment of disagreement over the country’s political direction.
