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.

What Trump Has to Say on America’s 250th Birthday Won’t Top Coolidge and Ford

by Bill Scher July 3, 2026July 4, 2026

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.

From standing armies to tariffs, the Declaration of Independence’s case against King George offers a striking lens on Donald Trump’s presidency.

Politics

Some Declaration of Independence Charges Against King George Apply to Wannabe King Donald Trump

by Bill Scher March 31, 2026March 30, 2026

What if? A look at how the structure of the U.S.. Senate was hotly debated in 1787 at the Constitutional Convention in ways that changed America, Here, is the painting "Scene at the Signing of the Constitution" by Howard Chandler Christy from 1940.

Law and Justice

The Great Might-Have-Been of the Constitutional Convention

by Jack Rakove September 17, 2025September 17, 2025

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

semiquincentennial

What Trump Has to Say on America’s 250th Birthday Won’t Top Coolidge and Ford

Some Declaration of Independence Charges Against King George Apply to Wannabe King Donald Trump

The Great Might-Have-Been of the Constitutional Convention

A Feminist Humanist’s Last Word

If You Don’t Like Polls, Follow the Money

Before the Fall

The Supreme Court Still Works as the Founders Intended

The Case for a Shadow Court

Never Forgetting 9/11 Means Learning Lessons

Never miss an article!