As America prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary in a matter of months, some have raised worries about transparency and politicization they say is hanging over the organization President Donald Trump created to support his flashy plans for the celebration.
Congressional Democrats and watchdog groups have in recent days raised concerns that the group, Freedom 250, created as a subsidiary of the National Park Foundation, lacks transparency, skirts federal rules and allows companies and wealthy individuals to buy access to the president’s office.
Members of the House of Representatives on Feb. 10 probed leaders of the Park Foundation during a public hearing after The New York Times reported allegations that Freedom 250 is exchanging access to Trump for donations.
More: Trump launches Freedom 250 to add his mark on USA 250 celebrations
In exchange for donations ranging from $1 million to nearly $10 million, groups giving to Freedom 250 were offered an array of perks, including an "invitation to a private Freedom 250 thank you reception hosted by President Donald J. Trump" and speaking opportunities at major events, according to the Times.
