On July 4, 2026, America will celebrate its semiquincentennial — 250 years of independence. The year 2026 will also mark a midway point into President-elect Donald Trump’s second term. Trump captured all of the battleground states in his decisive win over Vice President Kamala Harris. In addition to improving his margins in some Republican and Democratic-leaning states, Trump became the first Republican to win the popular vote since the 2004 election. At the same time, Trump’s political comeback sent shockwaves throughout the nation and the world.
The election could represent incremental gains for Trump and the Republican Party. But will it mark the beginning of a new chapter in American politics? Also, what’s in the hearts and minds of Americans as the country prepares to celebrate 250 years?
For the fourth national program on “Closer Look” distributed by PRX, show host Rose Scott travels back in time to better understand the pulse of the nation during the bicentennial year of 1976. Even though it was almost 50 years ago, some of the glaring systemic challenges that existed then, persist now. Scott talks with historians and educators about America’s founding fathers and their role in shaping America’s identity and its evolving future. They also discuss whether they feel America has upheld the ideals outlined in the U.S. Constitution.
Guest include:
Dr. Jody Noll, a lecturer in the history department at Georgia State University
