As the United States marked its 250th anniversary, reflections on the country’s legacy sparked a complex mix of pride and critical examination, particularly among liberals grappling with the nation’s history and current challenges.

At the “Salute to America 250” event held at the White House, President Donald Trump characterized the United States as “the crowning achievement of human history” and the “most extraordinary, most exceptional, most incredible nation ever to exist.” He also asserted that the country was “doing better now than we’ve ever done before,” statements that resonated with some Americans but elicited concern and unease among others.

In response to this celebratory rhetoric, some liberals have expressed ambivalence, attempting to reconcile a love for the country with its enduring social and political struggles. Anna Kusmer, producer and cohost of the “Say More” podcast, explored these tensions in a three-part series titled “Patriotism is a Verb,” which sought to redefine patriotism beyond mere symbolism by emphasizing active engagement such as traveling, protesting, voting, and understanding history.

Kusmer’s conversations included insights from Yale historian Beverly Gage, whose book “This Land is Your Land” chronicles a year-long journey through historic sites ahead of the semiquincentennial. Gage emphasized that patriotism remains a potent force even for those on the political left, cautioning against disengagement or cynicism. She argued that American identity is far from fixed and that embracing its contested and evolving nature is a form of patriotism in itself. Gage noted that numerous historical figures grappled with ambivalence toward the United States, yet chose to remain committed to its improvement.

Massachusetts Representative Ayanna Pressley offered a contemporary example of patriotism tied to perseverance and hope. She cited the actions of Black custodians who cleaned the U.S. Capitol following the January 6 insurrection as emblematic of a complex relationship with the nation—one marked by both heartbreak and hope.

The series concluded with a look at American history education at Chelsea High School in Massachusetts, a predominantly Latino community that has been a focal point for immigration enforcement. There, students engaged deeply with contentious aspects of the country’s past, including projects on the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850. Their teacher, Byron Williams, emphasized the importance of recognizing historical patterns and credited marginalized groups with driving progress in the nation’s development. Williams, who recently published “Liberty and Equality in America,” highlighted the enduring power of the Declaration of Independence’s ideals, describing the United States as a dynamic and evolving project shaped by those willing to reinterpret its founding principles.

The varied perspectives gathered during Kusmer’s series underscore a central theme: the United States remains an “experiment” marked by diversity and contradiction. While the country has not always lived up to its founding promise of equality, its ongoing capacity for change and reinvention continues to inspire a form of patriotism grounded in both critical reflection and committed participation.