President Donald Trump has announced a sweeping initiative to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary with a year-long, nationwide celebration designed to honor American heroes, strengthen patriotism, and showcase the greatness of the American spirit.
At the center of the effort is the revival and expansion of the National Garden of American Heroes, a project first proposed during Trump’s first term. The garden will feature 250 life-size statues of America’s most iconic figures—including presidents, civil rights leaders, scientists, pioneers, and cultural legends. Among those set to be honored are George Washington, Martin Luther King Jr., Amelia Earhart, and Kobe Bryant.
The statues will be crafted from timeless materials such as marble, granite, bronze, copper, and brass. To help bring the vision to life, the National Endowment for the Humanities and the National Endowment for the Arts are offering grants of up to $200,000 per statue, with artists eligible for multiple grants. The total budget for the project is estimated at $34 million—an investment in preserving and celebrating American history for generations to come.
But the National Garden is just one piece of Trump’s broader “Salute to America 250” initiative, a series of high-profile events and projects designed to unify the country around its rich history and bright future. Key highlights include:
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The Great American State Fair: A massive national fair to be held at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, where all 50 states will showcase their unique contributions to America’s success.
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The Patriot Games: A spirited series of athletic competitions featuring high school athletes from across the country, emphasizing sportsmanship, unity, and national pride.
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The Freedom Train: A traveling exhibition that will bring priceless historical artifacts to communities across America, educating citizens about the nation’s founding principles.
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The World of the Future Pavilion: A forward-looking exhibition showcasing the latest technological innovations and projecting America’s leadership in the 21st century and beyond.
To coordinate this monumental effort, Trump signed an executive order earlier this year creating the White House Task Force on Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday. Chaired by the President himself, the task force includes cabinet members and key agency heads, all dedicated to making the Semiquincentennial a historic success.
In addition, President Trump reinstated his executive order protecting national monuments and statues from vandalism, sending a clear message that America’s heritage will be honored and preserved—not torn down.
“America’s 250th birthday will be a celebration like no other,” President Trump said. “It will remind us all why this is the greatest nation in the history of the world—and why we must fight every day to keep it that way.”
As the nation looks toward its 250th anniversary, Trump’s plan represents a bold reaffirmation of American values, national pride, and the enduring legacy of freedom.