A report from House Democrats alleges that a Trump-backed organizer of America’s 250th birthday events may have duped donors. The report claims that donors who intended to support a bipartisan nonprofit, America250, were redirected to a separate nonprofit, Freedom 250, without their knowledge.

Allegations of Potential Wire Fraud

The interim report, compiled by Democratic staff on the House Natural Resources Committee, includes accounts from unnamed sources about donors who wanted to give to America250 being given incorrect wire instructions so that their money would flow to Freedom 250. If true, the actions could constitute potential wire fraud and charitable solicitation fraud.

Freedom 250’s activities are largely overseen by top Trump aides, and it has taken steps to brand itself as the nonpartisan group leading the celebration of America’s birthday. The report echoes complaints from outside watchdog groups about a lack of transparency around the finances and operations of Freedom 250.

Events and Sponsorships

Among the events organized by Freedom 250 are Trump’s Great American State Fair on the National Mall, an IndyCar race in Washington, DC, and the Patriot Games, a youth athletic contest where two teenage victors will split a $250,000 scholarship prize. Freedom 250 lists about two dozen sponsors on its website, including Palantir, Lockheed Martin, and Oracle.

The National Park Foundation has said that both public and private Freedom 250 funds received or expended will be accounted for through its standard financial reporting and audit processes. However, Freedom 250’s connection to the White House has caught the attention of watchdog groups and Democrats who are demanding that Freedom 250 make its donor identities public.

Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.