Trump Kicks Off Yearlong Celebration for America’s 250th Birthday

Former President Donald Trump is launching a yearlong celebration to mark a major milestone in American history: the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding. Although the Fourth of July isn’t officially here until Friday, Trump’s festivities are beginning early, with a kickoff event on July 3 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines.

This celebration, known as America250, aims to showcase the country’s shared values, rich history, and innovation over the next 365 days. The initiative will feature patriotic entertainment, fireworks displays, and plans for a massive “Great American State Fair,” which Trump has described as a one-year exhibition with pavilions from all 50 states. According to the former president, this fair will highlight everything from local culture to high school athletics, with “patriots games” giving young athletes a national stage.

Monica Crowley, the White House’s ambassador for major U.S.-hosted events, emphasized that the goal is to bring Americans together in a spirit of civic pride. “We are planning parties. We are planning a national celebration to unite the country,” she said during a Fox News interview.

But the preparations haven’t come without controversy. Though Congress established the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission to coordinate the anniversary in a nonpartisan way, critics argue that the effort has become an extension of Trump’s political machinery. The nonprofit America250, which runs the festivities, is now led by Ariel Abergel, a former Fox News producer and White House intern during Trump’s first term. Several other ex-Fox staff and Trump campaign aides have also joined the project.

Corporate sponsors include major companies such as Amazon, Coinbase, Oracle, and the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Some of their executives have reportedly sought to build relationships with Trump as he eyes further political influence.

Trump, who previously held a controversial taxpayer-funded military parade for the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary (coinciding with his 79th birthday), appears eager to keep the spotlight on patriotic displays. The coming months will give him a powerful stage to promote his “America first” message, showcase national pride, and potentially push for his proposed “big, beautiful bill” on tax and spending if he can get it through Congress.

In remarks at Arlington National Cemetery, Trump reflected on how his return to the presidency aligned with this historic moment, as well as other major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics. “Amazing the way things work out,” he said with a laugh. “God did that. I believe that, too.”

Whether Americans see it as a unifying celebration or a politicized spectacle, Trump’s yearlong birthday bash is now underway, promising a blend of fireworks, patriotism, and unmistakable political flair.