What America250 events are planned for the coming year?
Trump signed a Jan. 29 executive order directing his administration to organize "a grand celebration worthy of the momentous occasion" of America's 250th birthday. That included creating a task force on celebrating the 250th anniversary, composed of Trump Cabinet secretaries and chaired by Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
Each federal department and agency has assigned a point person to coordinate with the White House on America250 planning, a White House official told USA TODAY.
The full slate of America250 activities and projects have not been announced, but some are in the works.
The most widely publicized plans are for a "National Garden of American Heroes" that will honor 250 American heroes across a wide range of fields. Trump reinstated plans for the garden, which he had pushed in his first term, as part of his America250 executive order. A location for the garden hasn't been decided. An updated timeline calls for it to be completed "as expeditiously as possible."
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced a "Great American Road Trip" to mark America's 250th birthday that will highlight popular travel routes, historic landmarks and scenic destinations in all 50 states.
The White House has started unveiling videos showing a narrated cartoon version of signers of the Declaration of Independence, such as President Thomas Jefferson and Thomas Heyward Jr. of South Carolina. In the final year of his first White House term, Trump created a "1776 Commission" to promote what he called "patriotic education."
There's also a nationwide student writing and artwork contest in which children are asked to answer, "What does America mean to you?" A storytelling project looks to preserve firsthand accounts of Americans, both famous and lesser-known. And an America Gives initiative aims to increase volunteerism.
An effort is underway for all 50 states to collect items for a "time capsule" that will be buried in Philadelphia on July 4, 2026. A traveling tech expo is set to display American innovations across the country. And celebrations will also mark the 250th anniversary of the Navy and Air Force ‒ though neither is expected to include a parade like the U.S. Army received for its 250th anniversary.
And you can bet Trump will headline several more America250 events after Iowa.
"It really is a gift to have him in office," Crowley said. "Can you imagine the other team being in office for America250?"
Reach Joey Garrison on X @joeygarrison.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump had his military parade. Now he's launching America's yearlong 250th birthday party.
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