The 250th birthday of the United States is a day to celebrate nationally, but Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) wants to know whether the Trump administration is leveraging that event to sell access to President Donald Trump and use "taxpayer funds for propaganda."
In a bid to find out, PEER has filed a number of Freedom of Information Act requests with the Interior Department to better understand what is going on with the administration's "Freedom 250" project.
“Under (Interior) Secretary (Doug) Burgum’s leadership, the Department of the Interior continues to intentionally hide how it is spending taxpayer dollars and using National Park Service resources,” Aaron Lloyd, PEER's senior counsel, said Thursday. “These FOIA requests are about trying to give the public access to documents the government wants to keep hidden.”
The FOIAs seek documents related to Interior's role in the creation, funding, and operation of “Freedom 250,” a private and partisan entity now playing a central role in planning America’s 250th anniversary.
Congress created America250 as the official, bipartisan commission to oversee the nation’s 250th anniversary, with specific safeguards to ensure transparency and public accountability. However, when the administration failed to gain control of that commission, says PEER, Trump announced the formation of Freedom 250, pledging “to give America the most spectacular birthday party the world has ever seen.”
Since then, reports have surfaced that Interior Department funds are being directed to Freedom 250 through the National Park Foundation and that Freedom 250 is being used to sell access to the president, hide donors, and use taxpayer funds to pay for propaganda.
According to the New York Times, "Freedom 250, is threatening to overshadow years of plans meant to reach the broadest cross section of Americans for semiquincentennial celebrations. They are now taking on a Trumpian flare, replete with marble and machismo."
The paper's story from February 6 also said that through Freedom 250 "people and companies with interests before the Trump administration can make tax-deductible donations to gain access to, and seek favor with, a president who has maintained a keen interest in fund-raising, and a willingness to use the levers of government power to reward financial supporters."
Those behind Freedom 250 are seeking donations from $500,000 all the way to more than $10 million, according to information the Times obtained.
PEER's FOIA requests seek information that will include:
- Records related to any transfer or reprogramming of funds connected to America250 and Freedom 250;
- Communications between Interior leadership and Freedom 250 regarding governance, fundraising, or event planning;
- Documents showing whether Interior staff, National Park Service resources, or National Park Foundation infrastructure are being used to support Freedom 250; and
- Any approvals, agreements, or memoranda governing Freedom 250’s relationship with the Department.
PEER previously sent a formal letter to Burgum requesting similar information. To date, the department has not provided any information, the group said.
Story Categories:
A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.
Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:
- Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
- Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
- Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
- North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
- Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
- Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
- Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.
INN Member
The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.
Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.
Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.
You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.
