Trump plans a task force to oversee the nation's 250th anniversary celebration

Mike Newall, The Philadelphia Inquirer on Jan 29, 2025

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WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump is making big plans for America’s 250th.

Trump expected to sign an executive order Wednesday creating a task force to plan and coordinate an “extraordinary celebration” to mark the 250th anniversary of America’s independence in 2026.

Dubbed “Task Force 250,” it would oversee all federal agencies planning for the milestone, also known as the semiquincentennial.

The order, according to the Associated Press, is also expected to revive Trump’s plans for a “National Garden of American Heroes,” a sculpture garden with 250 statues honoring “great figures of America’s history.” Curated by Trump, the new national monument would include figures of Davy Crockett, Vince Lombardi, Neil Armstrong, Whitney Houston and Lauren Bacall.

Originally included in a 2020 executive action, Congress failed to appropriate funds for the garden and a site was never selected.

Michael Newmuis, Philadelphia’s 2026 director, said Wednesday he could not comment on the federal action.

Philly, as the site where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776, will be a focal point for the 250th. A cadre of city cultural, civic, creative, and philanthropic leaders are planning a yearlong series of 250-themed activities and events reaching every neighborhood in the city. The city also will host FIFA World Cup games and the MLB All-Star Game in 2026.

At a 2026 preparedness meeting in November, Philly planners said it could cost $100 million in city and state funding to pay for the celebrations.

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