Former Vice President Kamala Harris faced criticism following her social media activity on Independence Day, which included a message that some considered bleak for the occasion and a photo that notably excluded President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. On July 4, 2025, Harris posted on Twitter, stating, "Things are hard right now. They are probably going to get worse before they get better," before affirming her love for the country and her determination to "fight for it." The accompanying image, taken from a 2024 Independence Day event, depicted Harris with then-Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff as they observed fireworks, with the Bidens conspicuously absent from the frame.
Observers quickly pointed out the photo crop, with Link Lauren, a former adviser to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., calling the omission "very symbolic" on social media. Lauren also shared an unedited version of the photo that included the Bidens, sparking further discussion online. Users on Twitter reacted swiftly, with one sarcastically inquiring about the identity of an elbow at the edge of Harris's shared image. The New York Post and other outlets reported that many saw the exclusion as a deliberate snub or a symbolic gesture.
The tone of Harris's post also came under fire. Kiersten Pels, a spokeswoman for the Republican National Committee, expressed relief that the country "didn’t end up with a President who posts 'things are gonna get worse' on the 4th of July." This sentiment was echoed by several other commenters, with one stating, "Among other reasons, this is why you’re not President," and another suggesting Harris should "just enjoy the day." A different user mocked her signature phrase, writing, "America is unburdened by what has been."
Radio host Mark Simone went as far as to claim, "Kamala sets a new record for the worst 4th of July message ever." Some commentators focused on her repeated use of the word "fight," interpreting it as a hint at her future political ambitions. Speculation about her plans was fueled by comments from users like the one who posited Harris is "definitely running in 2028" and Trump ally Mike Davis, who mockingly encouraged her, "Don’t stop fighting, Kamala. And please run again in 2028."
Since her defeat to President Donald Trump in the 2024 election, after Biden withdrew from the race, Harris has remained largely out of the public eye, winning none of the seven swing states. In April, she delivered a keynote speech in San Francisco, where she critiqued Trump-era policies without mentioning the former president by name. The speech was given at an event for Emerge, an organization that supports Democratic women in their political campaigns.
Polls have painted a picture of Harris's fluctuating political standing. A June Emerson College poll showed only 13% of Democrats would support her in the 2028 primary, a decrease from the 37% in November. While other polls have reported higher support, enthusiasm for Harris has been inconsistent. A March Morning Consult poll revealed 36% support from Democrats and left-leaning independents, but a subsequent survey by Politico and UC Berkeley found a lack of enthusiasm among "policy influencers" for a potential gubernatorial run in California.
Politico has reported that sources close to Harris indicate she is considering her options and plans to make a decision about her political future by the end of the summer. Her Independence Day message, while sparking debate, also underlined her ongoing commitment to the nation and its ideals.
