Congressional Democrats Accuse Trump Administration of Hijacking US 250th Anniversary Plans
During a heated congressional hearing on Tuesday, Democratic lawmakers launched serious accusations against the Trump administration, alleging attempts to hijack preparations for America's 250th anniversary celebration. The controversy centers on claims that the administration is using the nonprofit National Park Foundation to solicit private donations for President Donald Trump's preferred projects, including a massive arch he intends to build in Washington D.C.
Allegations of Political Manipulation and Lack of Transparency
California Representative Jared Huffman delivered a forceful statement during the hearing, asserting that President Trump and his allies are attempting to use the 250th anniversary commemoration to "promote an alternate reality." Huffman accused Republican committee members of enabling the administration to "hijack the country's 250th anniversary and sell access, hide his donors and rewrite history."
Oregon Representative Maxine Dexter raised specific concerns about the White House-led initiative called Freedom 250, which she claims is using public money designated for the congressionally chartered America250 commission while mixing it with private donations. Dexter emphasized that the organizational structure makes it impossible to identify donors, leaving lawmakers to speculate about which billionaires and foreign interests might be purchasing influence.
Conflicting Testimonies and Defensive Responses
Freedom 250 spokeswoman Danielle Alvarez countered these allegations by stating the organization has received no funding from foreign donors. National Park Foundation President and CEO Jeff Reinbold explained during the hearing that the foundation, which typically raises money to support national parks, must grant anonymity when donors request it.
White House spokesman Davis Ingle responded to the hearing with a statement emphasizing President Trump's desire to ensure the country receives "the spectacular birthday it deserves." Ingle described the upcoming celebration as displaying "great patriotism" throughout the nation and asserted that Trump's vision would be "imprinted upon the fabric of America."
Broader Concerns About Historical Erasure and Funding
The three-hour hearing before a House Committee on Natural Resources subcommittee expanded beyond initial topics to address Democratic concerns about historical interpretation in national parks. Lawmakers questioned whether exhibits and displays were being sanitized or removed as part of administration efforts to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
South Carolina Representative James Clyburn delivered an impassioned address about embracing the darker aspects of U.S. history as part of the nation's strength. National Parks Conservation Association senior director Alan Spears testified that softening or erasing history represents a dangerous path toward disappearing people's stories entirely.
Funding Controversies and Competing Visions
Congress established America250, the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, in 2016 to lead planning for the anniversary commemorating the Declaration of Independence signing in July 1776. While initially expecting $100 million of the $150 million appropriated for anniversary activities, sources indicate the commission has received only $25 million so far, with federal funding cuts already forcing some communities to scale back celebration plans.
Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility executive director Tim Whitehouse testified that transparency in funding is essential, stating "The American people are paying for this commemoration. We deserve to know where our money is going." The Interior Department confirmed providing some funding to the commission through an interagency agreement with the National Park Service but did not respond to post-hearing inquiries about federal money distribution.
Partisan Divisions and Competing Celebration Approaches
Republican lawmakers remained largely silent during Democratic questioning, with North Carolina Representative Addison McDowell defending the planned celebration as a reminder of national progress. McDowell characterized Democratic remarks as presenting "a deeply misguided and dark vision of America" that portrays the United States as "an ongoing crime scene" rather than humanity's greatest experiment.
Oregon Democrat Val Hoyle countered immediately, asking "how the hell do we know how far we've come if we erase the history? How is that patriotic?" This exchange highlighted the fundamental disagreement between parties about how to commemorate America's complex history.
Dual Celebration Entities with Different Priorities
America250 focuses on nationwide commemorations including a national volunteer effort and creating an audio-visual archive of everyday American stories. Their initiatives include "America's Field Trip," which invites students to share what America means to them for potential historic site visits, and "America Gives," which aims to increase nonprofit volunteering with corporate support.
Meanwhile, Freedom 250 has concentrated on high-profile events including a planned UFC fighting competition at the White House, athletic events called The Patriot Games for high school athletes, and a "Great American State Fair" on the National Mall. The organization recently gained attention for illuminating the Washington Monument with birthday lighting at New Year's.
Despite funding controversies, America250 reports having sufficient resources to continue original programming through donations. The competing approaches between the congressionally chartered commission and White House initiative reflect deeper political divisions about how America should commemorate its founding and confront its history during this milestone anniversary.
