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Trump-Linked 'America 250' Tour Sparks Protests Across the Country
Education Secretary Linda McMahon's 'History Rocks!' events face backlash over ties to conservative groups
Mar. 31, 2026 at 12:42am
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The 'America 250' tour's partisan connections have sparked protests and cancellations, exposing deep divisions over how to teach the nation's history.Mobile TodayThe Trump administration's 'America 250' tour led by Education Secretary Linda McMahon has faced protests and cancellations across the country, as the program's connections to conservative organizations like Turning Point USA and the Heritage Foundation have raised concerns about political bias. At least four stops have been canceled after parents, students, and teachers objected to the visits, while other events have been met with demonstrations.
Why it matters
The partisan underpinnings of the 'America 250' program have sparked debate over how the history of the United States should be taught, with critics arguing the tour promotes a narrow, nationalist view that glosses over the country's history of atrocities against marginalized groups. The controversy highlights the politicization of education and the ongoing tensions over the role of patriotism and diversity in the classroom.
The details
The 'History Rocks!' tour, billed as a nonpartisan celebration of America's 250th birthday, is sponsored by the America 250 Civics Education Coalition, a group composed of conservative and religious organizations. This has led to accusations of political bias, with some schools and districts canceling planned visits after parents and teachers raised concerns. While the Education Department says it does not directly control the coalition's activities, the tour's promotional materials and connections to groups like Turning Point USA have fueled the perception of a partisan agenda.
- In January, the Fairfield, Connecticut school district canceled a planned visit by McMahon after receiving complaints from parents.
- In March, a visit to Thomaston High School in Connecticut was also canceled amid growing concerns from the community.
- In Sutton, Massachusetts, the district initially agreed to host a visit but later nixed the assembly after learning about the tour's ties to conservative groups.
The players
Linda McMahon
The U.S. Secretary of Education, who has been leading the 'History Rocks!' tour as part of the 'America 250' celebration.
America 250 Civics Education Coalition
The conservative and religious groups sponsoring the 'America 250' tour, including Turning Point USA, Moms for Liberty, and the Heritage Foundation.
America First Policy Institute
The pro-Trump advocacy group leading the America 250 Civics Education Coalition.
Red Zellner
A senior at Murphy High School in Mobile, Alabama who organized a protest against the 'History Rocks!' visit to his school, which was ultimately canceled.
Caitlin Paget
The superintendent of the Sutton, Massachusetts school district, who initially agreed to host a 'History Rocks!' event but later canceled it due to concerns about the tour's connections to conservative groups.
What they’re saying
“I just found it hypocritical. They tried to say their tour was apolitical while being very publicly supported by strongly political groups.”
— Red Zellner, Student
“Some have tried to brand this tour as 'radical,' 'dangerous' and 'partisan indoctrination.' How absurd. What you see is not politics - it is a shared commitment to our nation's story. It speaks volumes about certain voices in our society that they would seek to distort a celebration of America's 250th anniversary and deprive children of this experience.”
— Linda McMahon, U.S. Secretary of Education
“The intent of this visit was never to bring politics into our school, but rather to highlight our community and participate in a broader national celebration. We recognize, however, that this did not feel that way to many of our families.”
— Michael Testani, Superintendent, Fairfield, Connecticut School District
What’s next
The Education Department has indicated it will continue to reschedule canceled 'History Rocks!' events in other locations, despite the ongoing backlash. It remains to be seen whether the tour will be able to proceed without further protests and disruptions.
The takeaway
The controversy over the 'America 250' tour highlights the deep political divisions in the country over how to teach American history and the role of patriotism in education. The tour's ties to conservative groups have fueled concerns that it promotes a narrow, nationalist view that fails to grapple with the nation's complex and often troubled past.
