Former Vice President Kamala Harris faced criticism after posting a somber Fourth of July message on X, paired with a photo from last year’s celebration that notably cropped out President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. Harris reflected on the country’s struggles and urged Americans to continue fighting for national ideals, but many social media users viewed the cropped image as symbolic and interpreted her tone as pessimistic.

Some conservatives mocked Harris’s message, contrasting it with a more optimistic view of America’s future without former President Trump. Critics called her message the “worst 4th of July message ever,” while others urged her to simply enjoy the holiday rather than focus on negativity. The reaction reflected ongoing partisan tensions as Harris maintains a lower public profile after the 2024 election.

Since her defeat to Trump in 2024 and the Republican sweep of swing states, Harris’s political standing has weakened. Polls reveal a sharp decline in her favorability and Democratic primary support for the 2028 presidential race. A recent Emerson College survey found only 13% of Democratic voters backing her, far behind other potential candidates.

There is also skepticism about a potential Harris run for California governor next year. Polling of policy influencers shows limited enthusiasm, and some prominent Democratic donors have expressed waning support. Allies suggest Harris will decide her political future by the end of summer, amid mixed signals about her prospects.

Despite criticism and declining support, Harris continues to defend her record and push back against the Trump administration’s policies. Her next moves will likely shape her role in the Democratic Party’s future landscape.