America Is Preparing for July Fourth Amid Staggering Uncertainty And Unparalleled Travel: Here Is How You Need To Be Prepared

Published on July 4, 2025

While the United States is marking its 249th Independence Day, the celebrations this year mix with sentiments of pride, protestation, and skepticism. While some Americans eagerly anticipate the occasion with barbecues, fireworks, and patriotic activities, others ponder modes of celebration as there are plans to protest current policies and against the background of increased political bickering. Part of the reason for the diverse portrait is the news that July Fourth stands to break travelling records as part of the increased movement amid growing economic and societal troubles.

For many, this holiday is a time to reflect on national pride and freedom. For others, it’s a chance to stand up against policies they view as harmful, with protests set to take place across the country. Alongside this, there is an undeniable surge in travel activity, with millions of Americans hitting the roads and skies to mark the occasion, making it a significant year for both tourism and domestic travel.

A Holiday of Contrasts: Celebrations Amid Protests

Scott Allen, a registered Democrat in Southern California, plans to celebrate July Fourth with his neighbors in Lakewood, just south of Los Angeles. Despite recent political turmoil, Allen holds onto the belief that this day is a symbol of the freedom the U.S. offers, especially the freedoms of speech and protest. “We can have protests. We can have free speech,” says Allen, reflecting on his pride in the nation’s history.

For Allen and his neighbors, the celebration will be a mix of casual barbecuing, fireworks, and a reflection on the values that make America unique. Allen, who remembers his father serving as a U.S. Marine, emphasizes the importance of these freedoms, which are at the heart of July Fourth celebrations across the country.

However, not everyone feels the same way. Across the U.S., many Americans are grappling with the nation’s political climate, especially under the Trump administration, which has led to a sharp decline in national pride, particularly among Democrats. With questions surrounding immigration policies and economic disparity, some are choosing not to celebrate the holiday at all, or even to protest.

California’s Canceled Celebrations

In California, the impact of the Trump administration’s policies has hit home, with several communities in the Los Angeles area opting to cancel their July Fourth events. In particular, the wave of immigration raids ordered by the current administration has left many immigrant communities fearful and uncertain. The neighborhood of El Sereno, primarily Latino, canceled its Independence Day parade after 90% of participants dropped out, citing concerns over the presence of immigration agents.

Organizer Genny Guerrero notes that while the community is generally very patriotic, the heightened risk posed by the raids led many to stay home. “The fact that they’re taking anyone that is brown, regardless of citizenship, that puts everyone in jeopardy,” Guerrero explains, underscoring the fear that has disrupted traditional celebrations.

In southeastern Los Angeles, several other suburbs, including Bell Gardens, have also canceled their planned festivities, highlighting the deepening divides caused by immigration concerns and policies. Despite this, other communities in California and across the country are carrying on with their traditional Independence Day events, though these celebrations have become increasingly politicized.

Protests on Independence Day

This year’s July Fourth will also serve as a platform for protests. Several groups, including the Women’s March, are organizing events to protest against policies they believe undermine American values. Issues like cuts to Medicaid and the overall treatment of immigrant communities are expected to be front and center during these events. The Women’s March, which gained prominence in 2017 following Trump’s inauguration, is hosting a series of gatherings, ranging from small potluck events to large rallies in major cities.

In Portsmouth, New Hampshire, a gathering is planned at a naturalization ceremony to welcome new citizens and to highlight the importance of inclusive immigration policies. Meanwhile, larger-scale protests are planned in Houston, Texas, where demonstrators will assemble outside City Hall to voice their concerns about the direction of U.S. policy and its effects on the nation’s freedom and democracy.

As people across the country protest, others are finding ways to navigate their complex feelings about the holiday. Many are grappling with how to celebrate a nation that, for some, no longer feels like the land of liberty it once did.

Fireworks Industry Faces Challenges Amid Tariffs

Amid these celebrations and protests, the fireworks industry in the U.S. has also been affected by the ongoing trade war with China. A majority of fireworks sold in the U.S. are imported from China, and with tariffs now as high as 145% on Chinese-made fireworks, the cost of bringing in these products has surged. The tariffs, imposed in April, were temporarily paused in May, leaving current tariffs at 30%.

Julie Heckman, executive director of the American Pyrotechnics Association, stated that the 30% tariff would have minimal immediate impact on large public fireworks displays since most cities purchased their supplies months ago. However, smaller retailers who sell fireworks for private use may pass the additional costs onto consumers. Looking ahead, Heckman cautioned that such high tariffs may make future celebrations more costly and could impact the industry’s ability to provide affordable fireworks in the coming years.

As the U.S. approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, fireworks displays are expected to be a major part of the celebrations, but the long-term viability of these displays remains uncertain due to the escalating trade tensions.

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Record-Breaking Travel Predictions for July Fourth 2025

In contrast to the uncertainties surrounding fireworks and the political climate, one thing is clear—Americans are traveling in record numbers this holiday season. The American Automobile Association (AAA) estimates that more than 72 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home during the July Fourth weekend, marking the highest travel volume ever recorded for the holiday.

Nearly 62 million people are expected to travel by car, a 2.2% increase over last year, and almost 6 million will fly, a 4% increase from 2024. Despite gas prices creeping upward, the cost of fuel is still the lowest it has been since 2021, which is helping keep costs manageable for those traveling by car. This surge in travel, which includes both domestic and international visitors, reflects the ongoing trend of increased mobility despite political unrest and economic pressures.

The Federal Aviation Administration has already predicted that this will be the busiest July Fourth week in 15 years, with major airports across the country bracing for significant increases in passenger numbers.

Conclusion: A Mixed Independence Day for Americans

As the U.S. celebrates its 249th Independence Day, there is a palpable mix of celebration, protest, and travel activity. While millions of Americans are hitting the roads and skies to mark the occasion, others are grappling with a sense of disillusionment about the nation’s future. Whether through fireworks, protests, or peaceful reflection, this year’s July Fourth is a reminder that freedom and democracy continue to be contested ideals in the American experience.

For the travelers, the vacation is an embodiment of individual liberty and national cohesion, even as the nation is gripped by rising economic and political tensions. How the tensions will define future American independence celebrations will be known in the coming days.