News
Compliance · Foreign Influence · Government Funding · Political Risk
U.S. Senator Adam Schiff and 11 colleagues are demanding answers from the Department of Interior regarding the allocation of at least $100 million in taxpayer funds to Freedom 250, a private entity reportedly soliciting high-dollar and foreign donations for America's 250th birthday events.
The Senators question the Department of Interior's decision to direct funds to Freedom 250 instead of the official framework established by the United States Semiquincentennial Commission Act of 2016. Concerns include potential Hatch Act violations, the commingling of federal taxpayer dollars with privately raised funds and money from foreign sources, and the National Park Foundation's role.
Freedom 250 CEO Keith Krach appealed for international contributions at the World Economic Forum in Davos, and the New York Times reported U.S. embassies in Singapore, Japan, and Hong Kong solicit corporate contributions for anniversary events, some linked to Freedom 250 branding. Freedom 250, described as a "wholly owned subsidiary of the National Park Foundation," received a $10,142,920 grant in December 2025 for mobile exhibits developed with PragerU and Hillsdale College.
The bipartisan U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission expressed concerns about the $100 million redirection and lack of expected funding from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). Senators request a full accounting of funds, legal authority, and ethics guidance by March 13, 2026.
