America loves July 4, it’s when they gained their independence. Now, every year, there are huge celebrations with Uncle Sam dress and fireworks- probably. This year, John McCain’s running partner and former Republican front-runner for the 2012 elections, Sarah Palin, has resigned with 16-months left to her term.

The governor of Alaska, 45, was expected to announce on Friday that she would not seek re-election after her term ends next year, but instead shocked many by announcing she would be stepping down as of July 25.

Some have speculated that Palin’s resignation may be preempting a scandal. One tweet from the US this morning said “[I'm] hearing that there is more to the Palin resignation. Is she resigning to be Prez or because of a new scandal about to hit?!”