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President Trump has a grand plan for celebrating America’s 250th birthday, and it kicks off in just a few weeks when the nation heralds the new year, beginning with a special display at the Washington Monument.
On Thursday, the president launched Freedom 250, a nationwide non-partisan organization that will lead the semiquincentennial celebration of America’s unique founding.
Partners and communities will be mobilized in all 50 states to celebrate this special anniversary, the organization said in an official launch statement.
“2026 will mark a celebration of America unlike anything we have ever done and I am grateful to President Trump for the opportunity to execute his vision for Freedom 250,” said Keith Krach, the newly named CEO of Freedom 250.
He continued, “By working alongside states, businesses, and organizations across the country, Freedom 250 will reignite the pioneering spirit that defines America to strengthen the foundation for the next 250 years of independence, opportunity, and freedom.”
The celebration will kick off at the Washington Monument in D.C., which will be illuminated on New Year’s Eve through January 5, 2026, marking the start of the birthday festivities.
President Trump originally pitched the idea of hosting a year-long celebration of America’s 250th anniversary while he was running for re-election in 2023. “On Day One, I will convene a White House task force called ‘Salute to America 250,’” he said. “It will be responsible for coordinating with state and local governments to ensure not just one day of celebration, but an entire year of festivities across the nation starting on Memorial Day 2025 and continuing through July 4th, 2026.”
The president has made good on his promise, with festivities set to kick off in just two weeks.
Other important upcoming anniversary events that were revealed on Thursday by Freedom 250 include:
- A Freedom 250 Memorial Day “Spirit of America” parade honoring the nation’s fallen soldiers,
- The Great American State Fair at the National Mall, featuring pavilions from all 50 states. The event will take place between June 25 and July 10 and will be led by the President of the United States,
- A “capstone” anniversary event will take place on Independence Day 2026 on the National Mall, which will include a military flyover and the “largest fireworks display in the world,”
- The first-ever “Patriot Games,” a four-day athletic competition featuring the country’s best high school athletes, aimed at “celebrating excellence, teamwork, and American pride,”
- A 2026 National Prayer Event rededicating the country to “One Nation Under God,”
- And a special UFC Flag Day event at the White House (Flag Day also marks President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday).
