Residents of Los Angeles’ Skid Row, one of the nation’s most impoverished neighborhoods, voiced strong support for the United States and its founding while celebrating the country’s 250th anniversary over the Independence Day weekend, according to video interviews conducted by Frontlines, Turning Point USA, and the Discovery Institute.
Journalist Jonathan Cho spent time speaking with residents in the area, where homelessness, poverty, and addiction have long defined daily life for many. Despite those hardships, several people interviewed expressed pride in being Americans and said they would not choose to live anywhere else.
During one exchange, Cho praised several residents wearing patriotic clothing, including one man sporting a Charlie Kirk shirt.
One resident responded by explaining why he believes America remains unique despite its challenges.
“This is the only country where you can say and do whatever you want with freedom. Freedom of speech, you know what I mean?” the man said.
Cho then asked the resident what he would say to people who identify as communists and criticize the United States.
WATCH:
SKID ROW: One of the most impoverished areas in the United States.
Despite their circumstances, residents here say they would never leave the country and are proud to mark America’s 250th birthday — especially amid concerns over the rise of communism.@choeshow | @TPUSA pic.twitter.com/uamq3RuG33
— FRONTLINES TPUSA (@FrontlinesTPUSA) July 6, 2026
“Go to hell, man,” one resident replied. “They built a nation where the future ain’t dead. We march for rights.”
The conversation continued as Cho noted that many people have become increasingly critical of the United States in recent years.
“I don’t know. Ain’t nobody like us. We got everything. Everything we want. It’s the spirit of rebels who turned into owners,” another resident responded.
When Cho followed up by asking whether he would still rather live in America than anywhere else, the man remained steadfast.
“Ain’t nobody can run us off,” he said before later adding that the United States is “one of the best, greatest countries.”
While acknowledging that many Americans continue working toward financial success, the resident suggested that material wealth is not the country’s defining strength.
“We’re still chasing that paper,” he said before trailing off while discussing what he viewed as America’s true riches.
The interview concluded with Cho asking whether Americans should remember the nation’s veterans during the Independence Day celebrations.
“Yeah. So we’ve got to remember our veterans today, right?” Cho asked.
“All day. Right,” the resident responded.
The interviews also offered a glimpse into the perspectives of people living in one of America’s most economically challenged communities, where residents nevertheless expressed appreciation for the freedoms they associate with the country and said they remain proud to call it home.
