U.S. Semiquincentennial

A New York Times investigation reports that President Trump’s allies are soliciting at least $1 million in tax‑deductible donations to a new nonprofit, Freedom 250, in exchange for access to Trump and other perks tied to the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence. Fundraising documents obtained by the paper describe 'bespoke packages' for major donors, positioning the group as another vehicle—alongside projects like Trump’s White House ballroom—to let individuals and corporations with business before the administration seek favor through ostensibly charitable contributions. Freedom 250’s planned projects include Trump‑centric spectacles such as a towering arch overlooking Washington, an IndyCar race through the capital, a national prayer event and even a UFC fight on the White House lawn for Trump’s 80th birthday, many only loosely connected to the nation’s founding. The effort threatens to overshadow more traditional, bipartisan semiquincentennial plans that have been years in the making, and it sharpens ethical concerns about a president who has repeatedly used official power to reward big donors. Ethics advocates online are already flagging the setup as a de facto pay‑to‑play operation wrapped in patriotic branding, with the 250th treated as another branding and fundraising opportunity rather than a civic commemoration.