President Trump’s allies have created a new group called Freedom 250 to plan events for America’s 250th birthday. If you have $1 million to spare, this organization is ready to offer you special access to the president. The group is taking over the country’s semiquincentennial celebrations and adding a heavy dose of Trump-style flair with “marble and machismo.”
Trump announced the organization in a social media post in December. He promised to give the nation “the most spectacular birthday party you’ve ever seen.” Documents and interviews show that wealthy donors who give at least $1 million get exclusive perks.
According to The New York Times, these include an invitation to a “private Freedom 250 thank you reception” hosted by Trump himself, along with a “historic photo opportunity.” Donors who give $2.5 million or more are offered speaking roles at a major event in Washington on July 4.
The celebrations focus more on Trump’s agenda than American history
Freedom 250 has become another way for corporations and individuals with interests before the administration to make tax-deductible donations. These contributions buy access and the chance to seek favor with the president, who has always been interested in fundraising. Meredith O’Rourke, the president’s top fundraiser, is collecting these private donations and sending out requests for “bespoke packages.”
The list of events Freedom 250 is planning has little to do with traditional American moments like the Boston Tea Party or the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Instead, they are designed around the president’s political agenda and his love for spectacle and personal branding.
Plans include building a triumphal arch overlooking Washington, hosting an IndyCar race through the nation’s capital, and scheduling an Ultimate Fighting Championship match on the White House lawn for the president’s 80th birthday. They also plan a high school athletic competition in the fall, where Trump promised “there will be no men playing in women’s sports.”
This new effort is creating a serious problem with two separate groups planning celebrations. For ten years, a bipartisan commission established by Congress called America250 has been planning more traditional celebrations, like promoting the anniversary at football games and encouraging community volunteering.
America250 is a congressionally authorized nonprofit, but Freedom 250 uses unclear corporate structures through a limited liability corporation inside the National Park Foundation. The timing of Trump’s major announcements has raised questions about his decisions in other areas as well.
Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman expressed concern that Americans watching on July 4 might only see a celebration meant to glorify Trump, with little trace of the bipartisan group’s efforts. She worried that taxpayer money given by Congress would be taken away from America250.
In fact, $10 million in taxpayer funds has already been moved to Freedom 250 for six mobile museums called “Freedom Trucks.” These trucks feature quotes and a video from Trump and were designed with conservative institutions.
The Interior Department, which oversees the federal lands where many events will happen, has told agency staff to make Freedom 250 the “primary branding” for government communications about all national birthday events. Employees have been encouraged to update their email signatures to include the Freedom 250 logo. Trump has also been making controversial claims about infrastructure projects that have drawn criticism from lawmakers.
Freedom 250 spokeswoman Danielle Alvarez said, “The President is incredibly grateful to his donors, but unlike the politicians of the past, he can’t be bought by anyone.” White House spokesman Davis Ingle added that the president is “ensuring that America gets the spectacular birthday it deserves.”
Published: Feb 9, 2026 03:15 pm