White House Official Leading U.S. 250th Anniversary Efforts Fired
WASHINGTON – Ari Abergel, the executive director of America250, the commission tasked with planning the United States’ 250th birthday celebrations in 2026, has been removed from his position, CNN has learned. The dismissal comes amid concerns from state and local planners regarding limited resources and fears that the planned commemorations could become politically divisive.
The move follows reports of the Trump governance’s autonomous planning efforts, including a proposed UFC fight at the White House and the “Great American State Fair” initiative, which invited states to compete for President Trump’s designation as the ”most patriotic” fair in 2026. The administration also partnered with conservative media company PragerU for an exhibit featuring AI-generated videos of the Founding Fathers.
State and local planners have voiced anxieties about a lack of funding to organize their own events, potentially leading to a fragmented and partisan commemoration rather then a unifying reflection on the nation’s history. These concerns were amplified by the White House’s separate, and at times unconventional, planning initiatives.
White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly previously stated the administration “is incredibly proud of all of Ari Abergel’s work at America250 – most notably during the Army250 parade, which boldly honored the bravery and strength of our military men and women.” Kelly added that the White House Task Force, established by President Trump’s January Executive Order, would “continue to coordinate closely with America250 to ensure that all events heading into our nation’s 250th birthday are given the grand celebration our country deserves.”
The America250 commission was established to coordinate a nationwide, multiyear celebration leading up to and including the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026. The commission’s goal is to engage all Americans in patriotic events and educational programs.
