People across the country celebrated Independence Day on Friday, July 4, with the traditional parades, fireworks and cookouts. Others used America’s 249th birthday as a chance to protest President Donald Trump and his administration.
Several communities around Los Angeles canceled or postponed Independence Day events because of immigration enforcement operations. According to the Los Angeles Times, hundreds of people peacefully demonstrated in the city’s downtown area against these raids, as well as the passing of what the president called the “Big, Beautiful Bill.”
These protests also took place in other cities as well, such as Washington, D.C., where Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump participated in a picnic for military families.
Protesters against President Donald Trump’s policies march on Friday, July 4, 2025 in Los Angeles. (Jill Connelly/Associated Press) 
Joey Chestnut wins the men’s title at the 2025 Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating competition at Coney Island in the Brooklyn borough of New York on July 4, 2025. (Angela Weiss/ AFP via Getty Images) 
Lenny Kravitz performs at the “Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks” (Ralph Bavaro/NBC via Getty Images) 
Fireworks explode over Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol along the National Mall, during Fourth of July celebrations, in Washington, Friday, July 4, 2025. (Jose Luis Magana/Associated Press) 
Evelyn Collins from the Santa Monica Ballet Folklorico poses for a photo prior to the Independence Day Parade in Santa Monica, Calif. on Friday, July 4, 2025. (Richard Vogel/Associated Press) 
Participants in an antique car prepare to take part in the Independence Day Parade in Santa Monica, Calif. on Friday, July 4, 2025. (Richard Vogel/Associated Press) 
Military aircraft conduct a flyover during a Fourth of July celebration at the White House, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Washington. (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/Associated Press) 
President Donald Trump speaks as first lady Melania Trump listens at a picnic for military families at the White House, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Washington. (Evan Vucci/Associated Press) 
Downtown is seen as fireworks explode on the Ohio River, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Louisville, Ky. (Jon Cherry/Associated Press) 
Fireworks light up the sky above the Brooklyn Bridge during the Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks show on Friday, July 4, 2025, in New York. (Yuki Iwamura/Associated Press) 
Demonstrators protesting against President Donald Trump and his policies march toward the White House on Friday, July 4, 2025, in Washington. (Mark Schiefelbein/Associated Press)
