America250 vs Freedom 250. What’s the difference?
Two different organizations, America250 and Freedom 250, have been planning events to celebrate the country's 250th anniversary.
As each of the groups has organized their own array of activities throughout the year to commemorate the nation's semiquincentennial, they have faced some hurdles. America250 alleges it has not gotten all of the funding allotted to the organization by Congress. Freedom 250 had to refashion its planned Great American State Fair to be held on the National Mall after most of the musical artists pulled out.
America250 and Freedom 250 both have a goal of marking the milestone, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. But they differ because of who runs them.
America250 is a bipartisan organization established by Congress in 2016 to lead the commemorations, while Freedom 250 is a quasi-government group formed by President Donald Trump. Other organizations are also holding events across the United States.
Here's a breakdown of what organizations are doing.
What's the difference between America250 and Freedom 250?
By law, Congress created the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission in 2016 to "plan, encourage, develop, and coordinate" the commemoration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
The commission is supported by a nonprofit organization, America250.org, Inc., which includes private citizens and works collaboratively with lawmakers throughout the planning, according to its website.
The more recently founded Freedom 250 is being run by Trump's administration. In January 2025, Trump formed Task Force 250, a group consisting of members of his Cabinet, to plan events outside of those run by the official America250 commission. Freedom 250 is an arm of Task Force 250 positioned as a "public-private partnership," according to the White House.
After Trump announced the launch of Freedom 250 in December 2025, America250 Board Chair Rosie Rios told USA TODAY that the group was supportive of the president's plans.
What events are America250, Freedom 250 planning?
Highlights of America250's planned projects have included a field trip contest for students, a charitable giving initiative and a push for record-setting volunteer service. In addition, the group plans to bury a time capsule on July 4 in Philadelphia to be opened on America's 500th birthday in 2276.
America250 also recently announced an America's Block Party concert on July 4 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum featuring Chris Stapleton and the Smashing Pumpkins, hosted by Queen Latifah.
To find local events near you, check America250's website.
As part of the president's plans, Freedom 250 held a Trump-hosted Ultimate Fighting Championship event on June 14 on the White House South Lawn.
It also held a prayer event on the National Mall last month called Rededicate 250.
Coming in August is the Patriot Games, an athletic competition for high school students, and a Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, a free IndyCar event scheduled for August 22-23.
Trump's Freedom 250 was also planning a 16-day concert event – but that came under criticism from several artists who were announced as performers and have since backed out.
What happened to Freedom 250's Great American State Fair?
After a lineup of performers was revealed on May 27 for the 16-day Great American State Fair, a slew of acts dropped out of the event – including the Commodores, Young MC and Bret Michaels – with several citing the event's perceived political affiliation and confusion around what they signed up for.
Country musician Martina McBride wrote on X that she was misled into believing that she would be performing at a "non-partisan event."
"I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to be a voice for those who have felt like they didn’t have one. It greatly upsets me that any fan who has been moved by my music may now feel like I’m abandoning the meaning behind those songs. I assure you, that is not the case," she wrote.
Bret Michaels attributed his exit to the "divisive" nature of the event.
"Unfortunately, what was presented to us as a celebration of our country has evolved into something much more divisive than what I agreed to be a part of," he wrote in an Instagram post.
In response, Trump on May 30 criticized the musicians and in a Truth Social post announced plans to organize instead what he called an "AMERICA IS BACK Rally" starring himself as the headliner.
The Great American State Fair will also have rodeo events.
More Freedom 250 controversy
Freedom 250 has been the focus of other controversy over funding transparency and religious representations.
The New York Times reported in February that Freedom 250 was allegedly trading access to Trump for donations, causing concern among congressional Democrats.
Some historians and religious experts also raised alarm that Trump's administration was almost exclusively highlighting Christianity through several Freedom 250 initiatives, like the prayer event.
Freedom 250 spokesperson Rachel Reisner said in a statement to USA TODAY on May 28 that the organization is "dedicated to uniting Americans around the nation's 250th anniversary."
"Freedom 250 is focused on our signature celebrations and events that honor our history and engage all Americans – welcoming all who share our goal of commemorating this milestone in a way that uplifts and unites America," Reisner added.
Meanwhile, America250 has told Congress it is suffering a $100 million “funding shortfall,” and has received only $25 million of the $100 million Congress had planned to give it, the news site NOTUS reported on June 1.
Contributing: Melina Kahn, Saman Shafiq and Karissa Waddick
Mike Snider is a national trending news reporter for USA TODAY. You can follow him on Threads, Bluesky, X and email him at mikegsnider & @mikegsnider.bsky.social & @mikesnider & [email protected].