The Trump administration is reviving historic celebrations for America’s 250th anniversary, reinstating National Garden of American Heroes project alongside a new video series aimed at bringing the nation’s founding struggles to life.
At a Glance
- President Trump signed an executive order establishing a White House task force for planning America’s 250th anniversary celebration
- The order revives the “National Garden of American Heroes” with statues of 250 historical figures, previously abandoned under Biden
- A “Road to Independence” video series partnership between the Department of Education and Hillsdale College will commemorate key moments in American history
- Trump has proposed a yearlong “Salute to America 250” celebration, including a “Great American State Fair” and “Patriot Games”
Reviving the National Garden and Monument Protection
President Donald Trump’s administration is taking significant steps to ensure America’s 250th anniversary in 2026 will be commemorated with appropriate grandeur. The recently signed executive order establishes a White House task force chaired by Trump himself and including senior administration officials to orchestrate what the president calls a “grand celebration worthy of the momentous occasion of the 250th anniversary of American Independence.”
The executive order notably revives plans for a “National Garden of American Heroes,” a monument first announced in 2020 that would feature statues of 250 historical figures significant to American history.
The garden project never received funding under the previous administration and was ultimately abolished by President Biden. This revival comes amid ongoing conservative concerns about the removal of historical statues depicting Confederate leaders and slave owners across the country.
Additionally, Trump’s order reinstates a previous executive directive aimed at protecting monuments from vandalism. This reinstated measure calls for maximum prosecution of individuals who vandalize monuments and threatens to withhold federal funding from state and local law enforcement agencies that fail to protect such historical landmarks. Recent incidents of vandalism following the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas were cited as justification for this renewed protection effort.
“Road to Independence” Educational Initiative
Central to the anniversary preparations is the launch of “Road to Independence,” an educational video lecture series developed through a partnership between the Department of Education and Hillsdale College. This series aims to commemorate important moments in American history, beginning with coverage of the Battle of Lexington and Concord, which marked the first military engagements of the American Revolutionary War.
The video series reflects a broader educational approach to the anniversary, aimed at renewing appreciation for the founding principles and struggles that shaped the nation. The White House’s approach includes commemorating key revolutionary events, with the press secretary even delivering a reading of “Paul Revere’s Ride” to mark the significance of early independence movements. This emphasis on educational content underscores the administration’s focus on historical understanding alongside celebration.
Nationwide Celebration Plans
The anniversary celebration extends far beyond educational initiatives. Trump has proposed an ambitious yearlong “Salute to America 250” celebration starting on Memorial Day and culminating on July 4, 2026. These plans include hosting a “Great American State Fair” and organizing “Patriot Games” sports contests to engage Americans across the country in commemorative activities that honor the nation’s founding principles and historical journey.
The administration’s approach to the semiquincentennial reflects Trump’s previous patriotic celebrations, including his unique “Salute To America” event on July 4, 2019, which featured military displays and a presidential address at the Lincoln Memorial. The current plans are significantly more extensive, with the White House aiming to involve federal, state, and local governments, as well as private sector businesses, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions in creating a coordinated national celebration that spans the entire country.
