The planning of celebrations for the 250th anniversary of American independence has been underway for nearly a decade, but as July 4 approaches, confusion and criticism have mounted over what some believe has become an overly partisan endeavor.
Congress created a bipartisan commission in 2016 to coordinate the commemoration of America’s semiquincentennial through events that would engage the entire country. That commission, called America250, has planned a July 4 concert, helped coordinate local block parties and created a time capsule with contributions from each state and territory, in addition to other activities such as an essay contest for students.
But when President Trump returned to office last year, he moved to exert influence over the anniversary celebrations, ultimately creating a separate group, Freedom 250, that has organized a number of other events, including a Great American State Fair on the National Mall that begins later this week, the Ultimate Fighting Championship cage match earlier this month and the Freedom Trucks, a fleet of mobile history museums that is touring the country. In recent weeks, a number of states said they have declined to participate in the fair, with some saying it appears partisan.
The result has been confusion among state leaders and the general public about what is happening and who is in charge of the various celebrations. Here’s what we know about some of the upcoming festivities.
What is the difference between America250 and Freedom 250?
America250 is a nonprofit organization charged by Congress to “strengthen our love of country, and renew our commitment to the ideals of democracy through programs that educate, engage, and unite as a nation,” according to its website.
The group initially aimed to carry out long-lasting projects such as preserving historical sites, expanding museums and refurbishing landmarks and parks, according to a 2019 report that it submitted to the White House. Rosie Rios, who became the group’s leader in 2022, told The New York Times that after the 2024 election, she had recommended that Mr. Trump, who had promised during the campaign to organize large-scale events, get the government more involved in the festivities.
At first, the president’s team collaborated with America250. But as tensions emerged, he created his own group, Freedom 250, a nonprofit housed with the National Park Foundation, to organize his signature projects, like the Great American State Fair. Congressional Democrats and other critics have raised concerns about lack of transparency around the group’s fund-raising, which has included offers for high-dollar donors to interact with President Trump.
Some also have questioned why Freedom 250, and not America250, has received the lion’s share of the $150 million that Congress allocated last year for anniversary events. Others have accused it of promoting a sanitized version of American history.
Tensions came to a boil last month after several artists, including Martina McBride and Young MC, dropped out of performances at the Great American State Fair shortly after they were announced, saying they had been misled about the event’s close connection to Mr. Trump. The president then called for the cancellation of the concerts and said in a post on Truth Social that he would kick off the fair on Wednesday, with an opening ceremony.
But as of Sunday, it was unclear if he would appear.
What is the giant state fair on the National Mall, and are all states participating?
One of the president’s marquee events is the Great American State Fair, scheduled to begin fully on Thursday on the National Mall and run through July 10, with daily programming focused on themes such as faith, health and innovation. The event is free and open to the public, though preregistration is encouraged.
The fair will feature more than 150 exhibits from all 56 states and territories and showcase “the very best of America” with displays, family-friendly attractions, musical performances and other cultural programming, according to Freedom 250.
The level of participation among each state will vary considerably. Several states, most of them led by Democratic governors, have declined to participate, some citing budget constraints and others pointing to the possible partisan nature of the events.
Denny Heck, the lieutenant governor of Washington, said the state opted to not participate because of the “significant costs” associated. A spokeswoman from his office said participating states were expected to pay $100,000 to $1 million.
Freedom 250, the group sponsoring the event, said that even if official state agencies aren’t participating, all states will be represented in the 16-day celebration, whether through a state company or other organization.
What big events are happening on July 4?
In Los Angeles, America250 will hold America’s Block Party, a major concert hosted by Queen Latifah and featuring performances by Smashing Pumpkins, the country singer Chris Stapleton and others. The event, which costs $17.76 to attend, will benefit Giving 4th, the group’s charitable initiative.
In Washington, Freedom 250 is hosting a major fireworks display near the Washington Mall and the recently renovated Washington Monument. Mr. Trump, who is scheduled to speak, has said on social media that there will be “a Trump rally.” According to the group’s website, the event will include military bands, flyovers and air shows.
There will also be major events in other cities organized separately from either group.
New York City will host Sail4th 250, an event featuring a parade of about 80 historic and military vessels from around the word, military flyovers and fireworks.
Philadelphia, where the Declaration of Independence was adopted in 1776, is hosting “One Philly: Unity Concert for America,” a free concert featuring Christina Aguilera, Will Smith, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Jill Scott, the Roots, Seal and Wanda Sykes.
What are states doing for the 250th anniversary?
In addition to the national groups, every state has its own 250th commission. Those commissions have organized their own events both for July 4 and the rest of the year.
On July 4, Virginia’s commission is hosting “America Made in Virginia,” an event at Colonial Williamsburg featuring a fireworks and drone show, historical presentations and appearances by Judy Collins, Ken Burns and others that will be broadcast live on PBS.
South Carolina’s commission has organized a July 4 waterfront festival featuring fireworks, patriotic tributes and musical performances.
The festivities extend well beyond the original 13 colonies. In Colorado, for example, a series of 150 drone light shows have been scheduled through the end of the year.
Luke Broadwater and Eileen Sullivan contributed reporting.
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