Former Vice President and presidential Democratic nominee Kamala Harris faced criticism on social media following a Fourth of July message that struck a grim tone and featured a photo that cropped out President Joe Biden.
The image attached to the post showed Harris with her husband Doug Emhoff watching fireworks, apparently from a White House balcony during the July 4, 2024, celebration. (RELATED: Trump Caps July 4 With ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ Signing)
“This Fourth of July, I am taking a moment to reflect. Things are hard right now. They are probably going to get worse before they get better,” Harris posted Friday on X. “But I love our country — and when you love something, you fight for it. Together, we will continue to fight for the ideals of our nation.”
This Fourth of July, I am taking a moment to reflect. Things are hard right now. They are probably going to get worse before they get better.
But I love our country — and when you love something, you fight for it. Together, we will continue to fight for the ideals of our nation. pic.twitter.com/pYxJVw0fiD
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) July 4, 2025
Social media users noted that Biden and first lady Jill Biden — who were present at the event — were not visible in the frame.
“Kamala cropping Joe out is very symbolic,” wrote Link Lauren, a former adviser to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who shared a wider shot showing the Bidens standing just feet away.
Kamala cropping Joe out is very symbolic https://t.co/I0HgkKMGPw pic.twitter.com/h7TmMPMLsD
— Link Lauren (@itslinklauren) July 4, 2025
“Feeling grateful we didn’t end up with a President who posts ‘things are gonna get worse’ on the 4th of July,” said Republican National Committee spokeswoman Kiersten Pels.
Feeling grateful we didn’t end up with a President who posts “things are gonna get worse” on the 4th of July https://t.co/phlA3YwoMV
— kiersten pels (@KierstenPels) July 4, 2025
“Kamala sets a new record for the worst 4th of July message ever,” said radio host Mark Simone.
Kamala sets a new record for the worst 4th of July message ever. https://t.co/VBUJXeAP9t
— MARK SIMONE (@MarkSimoneNY) July 4, 2025
Recent polling has shown her support slipping among Democrats ahead of the 2028 primary season. An Emerson College poll in June found just 13% of Democrats would support Harris in the primary compared to the 37% who still stood by her in November.
