Critics Raise Concerns Over Trump's 'Freedom250' Group for 250th Anniversary

Lack of transparency and potential 'pay-for-play' allegations surround organization created by former president

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, concerns have been raised about the transparency and potential politicization of the organization created by former President Donald Trump to support his plans for the milestone. Critics, including Congressional Democrats and watchdog groups, allege that Trump's 'Freedom250' group, a subsidiary of the National Park Foundation, lacks oversight, skirts federal rules, and allows companies and wealthy individuals to gain access to the former president in exchange for large donations.

Why it matters

The allegations surrounding Freedom250 raise questions about the integrity and nonpartisan nature of the nation's 250th anniversary celebrations, with concerns that taxpayer funds and the commemoration are being used to push a conservative agenda. There are also worries that the 'pay-for-play' structure of the group could violate ethics and conflict of interest laws.

The details

Freedom250 was created by Trump in December 2025 as a subsidiary of the National Park Foundation to fund his vision for the 250th anniversary celebrations, separate from the nonpartisan America250 group established by Congress. Critics allege that in exchange for donations ranging from $1 million to $10 million, Freedom250 offered perks like private receptions with Trump and speaking opportunities at major events. The group's opaque structure has also raised concerns, as it is not subject to the same financial disclosure requirements as federal agencies, and donors can request to remain anonymous. Congressional Democrats have requested transparency about Freedom250's donors, fundraising practices, and governance.

  • Freedom250 was created by Trump in December 2025.
  • On February 10, 2026, members of the House of Representatives probed leaders of the National Park Foundation during a public hearing.
  • On February 11, 2026, Senator Adam Schiff sent a letter to Trump's Chief of Staff requesting information about Freedom250's donors, fundraising, and governance.

The players

Freedom250

An organization created by former President Donald Trump as a subsidiary of the National Park Foundation to fund his vision for the United States' 250th anniversary celebrations.

Adam Schiff

A Democratic Senator from California who has requested transparency about Freedom250's donors, fundraising practices, and governance structure.

Susie Wiles

The Chief of Staff to former President Donald Trump.

Jeff Reinbold

The president and CEO of the National Park Foundation.

Rachel Reisner

A spokesperson for Freedom250.

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What they’re saying

“It's a complete disgrace that Pencil-Neck Adam Schiff is willing to trash the United States of America during its semi quincentennial celebration simply because he hates President Trump.”

— Davis Ingle, White House spokesperson (Email statement)

“Linking private contributions – explicitly or implicitly – to invitations to White House events, photo ops, ceremonial roles, or other forms of access unavailable to the general public, raises serious concerns about the auctioning of government activities.”

— Adam Schiff, U.S. Senator (Letter to Trump's Chief of Staff)

“The issue is there's no accountability. There's no transparency. There's no guardrails. There's no oversight.”

— Tim Whitehouse, Executive Director, Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (Congressional hearing)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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