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Nation gears up for historic milestone
The United States is set to mark its 250th anniversary next month with a series of high-profile events, including a record-breaking fireworks display, a UFC fight on the White House lawn, and a 16-day state fair. However, the celebrations have sparked concerns over potential politicization due to the involvement of organizations with ties to President Donald Trump.
Key events and controversies
A massive 16-day State Fair, running from 25 June to 10 July on the National Mall, will showcase all 56 U.S. states and territories. Organized by Freedom 250-a public-private partnership created by Trump-the fair will feature a concert series, though several artists, including Martina McBride and Bret Michaels, have withdrawn, citing the event's affiliation with the White House.
Trump responded to the cancellations on social media, suggesting the event be replaced with a "giant MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN RALLY." Despite the backlash, performers like Vanilla Ice and Flo Rida remain scheduled.
UFC fight on the South Lawn
On 14 June, coinciding with Trump's 80th birthday, a UFC fight will take place on the White House South Lawn. The event, also organized by Freedom 250, will accommodate 5,000 spectators in a temporary arena, with an additional 75,000-100,000 fans watching on screens nearby. UFC president Dana White confirmed the organization is funding the event, calling it a "whole thing" in a January interview.
Record-breaking fireworks
The traditional 4 July fireworks display in Washington, D.C., will be managed by Freedom 250 this year. The 40-minute show is set to feature over 860,000 fireworks, surpassing the Philippines' 2016 record for the largest display. Pyrotecnico, the company behind the show, was reportedly instructed to "beat the record."
Nationwide celebrations
Beyond the capital, cities across the U.S. are planning their own events. In New York's Times Square, a ball will drop eight times on 4 July-once for each time zone-with unique designs for each drop. Philadelphia will bury a time capsule to be opened in 2276, while Los Angeles will host a concert at the Memorial Coliseum, and Milwaukee will hold block parties.
"When it is opened in 2276, we want future generations to have a clear, authentic window into who we were at 250-what we valued, what we built, and how we saw ourselves as a nation."
Rosie Rios, Chair of America250
Political tensions and legal challenges
The celebrations have raised questions about their neutrality, given the involvement of Freedom 250, which is linked to Trump. Congress allocated $150 million in federal funds for the anniversary, while Freedom 250 appears to be spending additional millions.
Trump has also initiated beautification projects in Washington, D.C., including painting the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool blue. While he claims the project will solve leaks and last decades, a nonprofit group has filed a legal challenge, arguing the work violates laws protecting historical landmarks.
Funding and oversight
America250, a nonpartisan organization established by Congress a decade ago, is co-hosting events alongside Freedom 250. However, the latter's ties to Trump have fueled debates over whether the celebrations will remain apolitical.
