Weekly Wisdom | AFTER 250
President Trump, Freedom250, America250, and cities such as Boston and New York deserve tremendous credit for organizing exceptional celebrations in honor of our nation’s semiquincentennial. If you watched any of the events, they were nothing short of spectacular.
Now, it’s this Substack’s hope that everyone took time to reflect on our country’s remarkable 250-year journey while enjoying Independence Day with family and friends. But now that the fireworks have faded and the celebrations have ended, an important question remains:
Where do we go from here? Some ideas:
Fortunately, the celebration isn't over. Official America250, Freedom250, and countless state and local events will continue throughout the year. Here in Sarasota, for example, Selby Library will host an event titled "America 250 Celebration," giving residents another opportunity to reflect on our nation's remarkable history. Let us continue to celebrate America this year by attending events, reading American history, and being good citizens.
The midterm elections in November 2026 will determine control of Congress and, to a significant extent, shape the remainder of President Trump’s presidency. It is imperative, therefore, that we not only cast our own ballots, but also encourage conservative friends and family members who do not regularly vote to participate in the election.
Many Europeans, thanks to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, have experienced firsthand what makes the United States such a remarkable country. They have seen our vibrant cities, welcoming people, and dynamic economy. The numbers reinforce those observations: today, the U.S. economy is nearly 50 percent larger than the European Union’s. Remarkably, as recently as 2008, the two economies were roughly the same size. The lesson is straightforward: economic outcomes are not accidental, and it is on us to ensure our politicians promote and legislate policies that will increase our collective freedom and economic growth.
The reemergence of civic pride and patriotism over the past several months offers a powerful message to Generation Z: patriotism in the United States is not dead. As Turning Point USA has demonstrated, educating young Americans about our history, traditions, and founding principles—while encouraging them to participate in the political process—can profoundly shape the next generation.
The direction of our country over the next two decades will depend, in no small part, on our ability to cultivate a new generation of informed, engaged, and unapologetically patriotic Americans.
Critically, we must hold the Trump administration accountable by demanding that mass deportations of all illegal aliens continue. There remain tens of millions of illegal immigrants who drive up costs for housing, utilize welfare and our education system, and take jobs from American citizens. We must remain resolved to deport as many illegal immigrants as possible if we want a better America.
After our 250th, this Substack remains cautiously optimistic about the future of this great country. A renewed sense of patriotism and civic pride appears to have taken root among many Americans, and it has the potential to inspire an even broader national renewal.
Our responsibility now is to do the work. That means continuing to learn about our nation’s history, serving our fellow citizens, and participating in the political process to advance the principles of liberty, limited government, and economic opportunity. By remaining steadfast in those efforts, we can help ensure that America’s next 250 years are every bit as remarkable as its first.
