President Trump’s involvement in the planning of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations has sparked controversy, with some groups accusing him of politicizing the event. The left-leaning group Next250 has reframed its commemoration in response to Trump’s takeover, planning a communal festival in Washington, DC, featuring an indigenous opening ceremony and voter registration booths.
Freedom 250
Trump’s new nonprofit, Freedom 250, has been accused of being overly partisan and lacking transparency in its funding. The organization has received $65 million in federal funding, while America250, a nonprofit overseen by a congressional panel, has only received $25 million. Freedom 250’s events have played to Trump’s cultural tastes, featuring a Christianity-focused prayer event and a youth athletic contest.
Critics have argued that Trump’s involvement in the celebrations has upended plans that had been years in the making and has drawn ire over what has become a partisan celebration. Some state and local planners have distanced their celebrations from the national event, with Next250 holding its counterprogram down the street from the White House.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
