Former President Joe Biden told NBC that constitutional safeguards are being "trampled on," urging Americans to defend democratic norms as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. Biden said only about 15-30% of people occupy the political extremes while most are recognizing threats to constitutional safeguards. Former presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush also urged optimism, compromise and active citizenship. Organizers of America 250 plan events on July 3–4, including a one-time Times Square ball drop, a curated "America’s Soundtrack," and a 250-year time capsule.
Biden Warns Constitutional Safeguards Are Being "Trampled On" Ahead Of U.S. 250th
Former President Joe Biden delivers remarks during the Edward Kennedy Institute's 10th anniversary celebration in Boston Oct. 26, 2025.(Getty Images)
Former President Joe Biden told NBC in an interview published Tuesday that he believes constitutional safeguards are being "trampled on," stopping short of directly naming his successor. The interview, conducted by Jenna Bush Hager, was part of a broader conversation with all living former presidents ahead of America's 250th anniversary.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former President Bill Clinton, former President Barack Obama, former first lady Jill Biden and former President Joe Biden attend a memorial service for Rev. Jesse Jackson in Chicago March 6, 2026.
Biden's Warning
“I’m not sure we’re as divided as we are portrayed,” Biden said. “I’m sure there’s anywhere from 15-30% of the people who are on the one end here, but I think the vast majority of people are coming around to conclude that...the safeguards in the Constitution … are sort of being trampled on right now.”
The broadcast showed an edit between Biden's remarks about constitutional safeguards and the phrase "trampled on," but his comments read as a continuous thought: a call for vigilance and renewed respect for democratic norms as the nation approaches its semiquincentennial.
Rosie Rios, chair of the America 250 Commission, is photographed at the Ronald Reagan Building Dec. 11, 2025.
Voices From Other Former Presidents
“When you look at the sweep of American history, we’ve gone through rough patches. And we tend to come out on the other side of them stronger,” Barack Obama told Hager, expressing cautious optimism about the country's future.
“The country will survive as much by the process, by the freedom to speak, by the freedom to vote, by the freedom to be active in politics as by any particular issue,” Bill Clinton said, adding that compromise remains essential.
“Study our history so you have a better sense for what the future will be like. And be a citizen, not a spectator... participate in the process but also love a neighbor like you’d like to be loved yourself,” George W. Bush advised, urging civic engagement and empathy.
America 250 Celebrations
America will mark its 250th anniversary on July 4. Organizers of the America 250 commemoration have announced multi-day programming across July 3 and July 4, with more details to follow.
Rosie Rios, former U.S. treasurer and chair of America 250, said festivities will begin on July 3 and continue into July 4. Highlights include what organizers called a one-time Times Square ball drop on July 3, a curated "America’s Soundtrack" compiled by 19-time Grammy winner Emilio Estefan, and a time capsule intended to be opened in 250 years. The events aim to celebrate national history while encouraging a spirit of generosity around the holiday.
Fox News correspondent Leo Briceno contributed to the original report.
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