America’s 250th birthday centres on Trump

Historians and political leaders warn President Donald Trump is using the U.S. semiquincentennial to turn national celebrations into a showcase for himself

Congress created America250 commission 10 years ago to oversee official events, but Trump-backed group Freedom 250 is now running competing, privately funded programming

KEY PLANNED CELEBRATIONS

JUN 25-JUL 10, AMERICAN STATE FAIR
Fair across National Mall in Washington DC featuring all 56 states and territories will see Trump opening event

Concerts cancelled after artists pulled out over affiliation with Freedom 250. Trump instead plans “Rally to end all Rallies” since he says he is “the Number One Attraction anywhere in the World”

JUN 14, UFC EVENT
Fights scheduled on Trump’s 80th birthday in 4,500-seat arena (above) built on White House South Lawn. President suggests keeping structure permanently

JUL 4, FIREWORKS
Traditional 10,000-firework display replaced by Freedom 250 show of 860,000 fireworks. Trump has billed display as “world’s largest”

Trump’s face will appear on commemorative gold coin marking 250th anniversary, on commemorative passports and on $250 banknote, if approved

Sources: AP, America250.org, Freedom250.org
Pictures: Getty Images, U.S. State Department, U.S. Commission of Fine Arts
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