Controversy Surrounds US 250th Birthday Celebration Chair
The leader of the committee organizing the upcoming US 250th birthday celebration has drawn scrutiny due to past statements and affiliations. Rosie Rios, appointed by President Biden and previously serving as the US treasurer from 2009 to 2016, has been described by some conservatives as someone who holds a “non-American” perspective.
Will Hild, the executive director of Consumers’ Research, has raised concerns about Rios’s background and called attention to her allegiance, particularly due to her statement made in 2016 declaring, “Mexico is my home.” These comments have sparked debate online, as Hild shared his thoughts on social media, criticizing Rios for allegedly undermining patriotic values.
“She disrespectfully criticized President Trump and seemed to promote an identity-focused agenda,” Hild expressed, emphasizing a sentiment that Rios’s loyalty might lie elsewhere. He further insisted that President Trump has the ability to remove her from her position, implying that the former president should act promptly to do so.
Republican Senator Eric Schmidt from Missouri joined the fray, urging President Biden to replace Rios. He implied that someone in charge of such a significant anniversary should prioritize America over other nations. “The 250th anniversary ought to celebrate our unique heritage,” he asserted, adding that Rios’s remarks were concerning.
Rios, who has ancestral ties to Mexico, previously mentioned the challenge of choosing allegiances between two countries she feels connected to. In a video, she also prompted criticism from some quarters for comments perceived as derogatory towards Mexican immigrants.
In an interview conducted during a 2020 spotlight initiative, Rios was asked to name her favorite founding figure but sidestepped the query, instead expressing admiration for historical female figures like Harriet Tubman and Susan B. Anthony. This non-response has further fueled criticism, suggesting a lack of engagement with American historical figures that some deem essential.
Calls for Rios’s removal have intensified, with senators formally requesting the action in a letter addressed to Trump. They articulated their belief that those overseeing the anniversary should share a commitment to American values, warning that Rios’s involvement could detract from a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of the nation’s history.
