https://www.npr.org/2026/07/02/nx-s1-5879162/freedom-250-report-house-democrats-controversy"Based on their analysis, Aguilar Rosenthal said of the more than $120 million in public funds funneled toward the anniversary celebrations, over $100 million has been "funneled" directly to projects, events and entities with ties to the Trump administration.
Some of those public contracts raise particular alarm among watchdogs. Federal contracts have directed tens of millions of dollars to a company called Event Strategies, Inc., which helped organize Trump's infamous rally outside the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.
"They had a chance to do this in a bipartisan way or a way that wouldn't enrich cronies, but they pretty clearly didn't do that," said Zibel. "I think that this is a follow-the-money situation that needs to be explored."
...
"There is little visibility into the origins and destinations of donations in general, Aguilar Rosenthal says. Best case, they are still being used for some of America250's original goals, she says. Worst case, she says, "public dollars and funds that have been earmarked for semiquincentennial celebrations are being used as a slush fund" for the administration and its political allies."
***
They don't even care if the 250 celebration is successful. It was all used as a slush fund.
Home
Chat
Login
Register