july 4 America 250: The history of semicentennial American presidential oratory is limited but Donald Trump’s upcoming semiquincentennial remarks are destined to mark a low point in the canon. The U.S. Capitol is seen through a mockup of President Donald Trump's proposed Triumphal Arch at the Great American State Fair on the National Mall, Tuesday, June 30, 2026, in Washington.

Politics

America at 250: An Idealist Without Illusions

by Jonathan Alter July 6, 2026July 6, 2026

For all of our understandable angst, let’s chart the good change since the Bicentennial.

Featured

America the Beautiful? Yes

by Lynn Sherr July 3, 2025July 3, 2025

Magazine

Regulations Make Us Free

by Paul Glastris June 20, 2022June 21, 2022

Support the Washington Monthly

Founded in 1969, the Washington Monthly is an independent media organization based in Washington, D.C. Our mission: To preserve democracy and champion good governance through honest journalism and thoughtful commentary.

We’re not a subsidiary of a giant media company or a mouthpiece for ideologues. We’re independent, listened to by insiders and willing to take on sacred cows—liberal and conservative.

Yes, I'll Make a Donation

Fourth of July

America at 250: An Idealist Without Illusions

America the Beautiful? Yes

Regulations Make Us Free

Are Men Okay?

Mental Health, Police, and The Death of Charles Adair

Media’s Misleading Voting Coverage Poses Dangers

Amy Acton Won’t Debate. It’s Worked Before

It’s Time for Our Own Gloria Days

The Health Care Crisis and How to Fix It

Never miss an article!