Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleAlex WoodwardWednesday 29 July 2026 23:51 BSTWhat role is Trump's Freedom 250 playing in US birthday celebrations?Donald Trump’s administration is requesting an additional $10 million from Congress to cover costs for its Freedom 250 events, which included a Christian-focused prayer event, a fireworks show and a state fair.Senator Jeff Merkley, a top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations subcommittee, is demanding a "full accounting" of the spending, arguing that taxpayers should not "bail out" Freedom 250.Merkley noted that Congress previously appropriated $150 million for the nation's 250th anniversary, with the administration promising private donors would finance the remaining costs for Freedom 250.A Department of Interior spokesperson stated the additional funding is needed for an "elevated security posture" in the capital following recent incidents and to address "countless vandalism incidents."The Great American State Fair, a key part of Freedom 250, experienced poor attendance, artist cancellations, extreme heat, thunderstorms and power outages, drawing scrutiny from watchdog groups and members of Congress.In fullTrump demands another $10M from Congress to cover his disastrous Freedom 250 event costsMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in