Hollywood celebrities criticize America as autocracy looms

On Independence Day, July 4, 2025, numerous Hollywood celebrities expressed their discontent with the current state of America through social media channels. Participants included directors and actors who questioned the meaning of Independence Day amid a political climate they viewed as deteriorating. Academy Award-winning director Lee Daniels indicated he was not celebrating this year due to feelings of sadness and frustration regarding the lack of true independence for everyone, particularly marginalized groups. This sentiment was echoed by actors like Chris Meloni and John Leguizamo, who pointed out the historical contributions of Latinos to the nation and condemned the treatment of Hispanic immigrants. During the same period, actor Michael Douglas highlighted the trend of politicians seeking profit rather than serving the public, suggesting a shift towards an autocratic government in the U.S. He remarked on the loss of idealism in politics and stressed that the struggle for democracy is not guaranteed and requires collective effort from citizens. Douglas drew parallels with historical struggles for freedom experienced by other nations. His observations were made during a press event at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival while promoting the restored classic film, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. The discourse surrounding Independence Day was marked by a notable pessimism among many celebrities, who felt the principles of democracy and freedom that the holiday represents are being compromised. Other figures, including Rosie O'Donnell and Jon Cryer, contributed to discussions by sharing their opinions on social media, framing July 4th not as a celebration but as a reflective moment on the troubling realities facing the nation. The cumulative sentiments expressed by these influential figures raised awareness about the state of American democracy, highlighting that many view the political landscape as one dominated by profit motives and mismanagement of power, thus contributing to a general air of despair regarding the future of American society.