Democrats just accused Donald Trump of turning America’s 250th birthday into something else entirely. A new congressional report raises major questions about where the money went and who really benefited.
Donald Trump faces accusations from Democrats over America 250 celebration
House Democrats accuse President Donald Trump of hijacking America’s 250th birthday celebrations for personal gain. The House Natural Resources Committee Democrats published a 55-page report on Thursday outlining their allegations. NPR reports the document claims Freedom 250 aided Trump in turning the milestone into a “hotbed of corruption and self-enrichment.”
The report carries the title “From Vanity to Insanity: How the White House Cheated the American People out of their 250th Birthday.” Rep. Jared Huffman of California led the investigation over several months. His team based the findings on whistleblower interviews, sworn Congressional testimony, and internal Freedom 250 documents.
Freedom 250 organizes major anniversary events including a UFC fight outside the White House. The group also runs a state fair on the National Mall and a July Fourth fireworks show. Trump created the public-private partnership through an executive order last year.
Congress had already established a nonpartisan commission called America250 for this purpose back in 2016. The report alleges Freedom 250 supplanted that commission through diversions and misrepresentations. Democrats claim donors who intended to support America250 received Freedom 250 banking information instead.
Freedom 250 spokesperson Danielle Alvarez denied all claims as “categorically false.” She called the report a “partisan smear” in a statement. Alvarez added that “every major sponsor received documentation identifying Freedom 250 as the recipient’s organization before funds were transferred.”
The report also raises concerns about opaque funding and potential foreign influence. Keith Krach, Freedom 250 CEO, appeared to solicit international contributions at the World Economic Forum. He asked attendees about “marketing America, or really marketing freedom.” Huffman confirmed his investigation will continue well past July Fourth. He did not rule out subpoenas or criminal referrals if Democrats reclaim the House after the midterm elections.
