A new organization, Freedom 250, is raising money for events and projects with a Trumpian spin on the nation’s semiquincentennial celebrations. The group, backed by President Trump, is offering access to him and other perks to donors who give at least $1 million.
Freedom 250 has emerged as another vehicle through which people and companies can make tax-deductible donations to gain access to the president and seek favor with him. The organization’s planned events and monuments lack obvious connections to America’s founding moments, instead being tailored to Trump’s political agenda.
Donors who give $1 million or more will get invitations to a “private Freedom 250 thank you reception” hosted by Mr. Trump, with a “historic photo opportunity.” Those who give $2.5 million or more also are being offered speaking roles at an event in Washington on July 4.
The effort is reminiscent of fund-raising Mr. Trump has spearheaded since his return to the Oval Office last year for other groups and projects he has backed. Some donors have used these forums to seek favor, and his administration has sometimes given them what they want.
Critics argue that Freedom 250 is politicizing the celebrations “in a more overt way” than previous presidents, with less pushback. America250, a bipartisan commission established by Congress a decade ago, plans more traditional celebrations of the United States’ semiquincentennial.
Freedom 250’s creation has raised concerns among some involved in the similarly named America250, which is planning to manage more traditional celebrations and promote the anniversary at football games and encouraging Americans to volunteer.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/08/us/politics/freedom-250-trump-donors.html