July 4, 2025: Trump, the oligarchy and the American counter-revolution

On this anniversary of the American Revolution, we call for a mass socialist movement to carry out a new revolution.

Dear reader, July 4, 2025 marks 249 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, which asserted the right of the people "to alter or to abolish" any government that becomes "destructive" to "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."  Independence Day is celebrated with parades, barbecues, picnics and fireworks. All that is well and good. It is necessary, however, to put aside some time for serious thinking about the fate of the American Revolution and the state of the country. As the United States begins the 250th year of its existence, it is in the throes of a political, social, intellectual and cultural counterrevolution. All the great democratic principles that were proclaimed in Jefferson's immortal document and which inspired not only the struggle against the British monarchy, but also the Second American Revolution of 1861-65 that abolished slavery, are under violent attack. Read the full statement: Read more In his speech at Gettysburg in 1863, Lincoln asked whether a nation founded on the principle that all men are created equal "can long endure." One hundred and sixty-two years later, the fascist gangster in the White House and the oligarchy he represents are giving their answer: "No, it cannot, should not and will not." The Trump regime is not just a variety of right-wing government, a temporary aberration in the "normal" course of constitutional government. It represents a breakdown of bourgeois democracy. There will be no return to "normalcy." The "abnormal" is the "new normal." The ruling class is turning to fascism and dictatorship.  There is, however, deep and growing popular opposition. This year has already seen mass protests erupt across the country in response to Trump's attacks on immigrants, students and democratic rights. Millions participated in demonstrations last month under the banner of "No Kings," in the largest anti-government protests in American history.  The democratic traditions embodied in the American Revolution retain a powerful resonance—not in the ruling class, but in the working class. Amidst the shocks of dictatorship, genocide and war, millions are being radicalized.  The critical question is the building of a revolutionary leadership. In the face of a ruling class hurtling toward dictatorship and war, it is necessary to reject all those who counsel complacency and who, like Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Mamdani, speak about "oligarchy" without challenging the foundations of capitalism itself. Millions of workers in the US and around the world must and will come to see that the counterrevolution of the oligarchy can only be met with the revolution of the working class.  Read and share today's statement of the Socialist Equality Party (US), July 4, 2025: Trump, the oligarchy and the American counter-revolution, and make the decision to join the SEP today.   Join the Socialist Equality Party: Join the SEP   Joseph Kishore National Secretary Socialist Equality Party (US) World Socialist Web Site We're powered by the support of our readers and workers. Make a contribution today to the World Socialist Web Site. This email was sent to alitealbum.wsws@blogger.com. If you want to, you can unsubscribe. We rely on your financial support and your participation. © Copyright 2025, World Socialist Web Site, wsws.org. All rights reserved.