U.S. Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) recently sent a letter to the commissioners of the taxpayer-funded America 250 project, requesting information about the project’s alleged efforts to “undermine” the nation’s founding principles.
America250, a “bipartisan effort,” is tasked with planning the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in July 2026. The commission was created by Congress in 2016.
“Funding projects that distract from our nation’s founding principles or promote divisive ideologies.”
the WebsiteThe United States Quincentennial Commission aims to “engage Americans across the country in planning the largest and most inclusive commemorative event in our nation’s history.”
Lee’s letter: Daily Caller News Foundationsaid the committee receives $50 million from taxpayers to fund its activities.
“It is no secret that young Americans today are forgetting the principles of our nation’s founding,” Lee wrote. “This is a deliberate effort by those who wish to dismantle our great nation and undermine the moral legitimacy of our political system.”
“As a member of the America 250 Caucus in Congress, I have received reports that this committee is functioning as a taxpayer-funded vehicle to advance and promote extremist ideologies that undermine the principles set forth in our Declaration,” he continued.
Lee cited a number of questionable actions by the committee, including the placement of a “Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion” who was paid $140,000 per year. In 2022, a former America250 chairman “announced a partnership with the 400 Years of African American History Commission, arguing that ‘Our Nation’s Story Begins Long Before 1776…From 1619 to the Present,'” Lee noted in the letter. Additionally, Lee claimed the committee announced it would give funding to organizations working to promote and discuss “social justice” and “digital equity.”
“It is disturbing to think that $50 million in taxpayer funds have been given to fund your activities, yet future budgets will also be used to fund projects that elevate anti-American figures, distract from the founding principles of our country or promote divisive ideologies,” Lee wrote in a letter to the commissioners.
Lee requested information from America 250, including a “detailed description of all entities” that have received funding or made donations. Lee also requested a “detailed accounting of how taxpayer money has been spent” and a “comprehensive report detailing the work done” by the vice president of DEI.
An America 250 spokesperson denied the allegations, telling The Blaze News: “We have reviewed Senator Lee’s letter and believe he was given inaccurate information. For example, we do not have a DEI officer and we do not make grants to the organizations he lists. We look forward to formally responding to Senator Lee’s letter, including addressing further inaccuracies in the concerns raised. Together with the more than 170 members of the bipartisan America 250 Congressional Caucus, we look forward to working meaningfully with Senator Lee to craft a 250th anniversary celebration that all Americans can be proud of.”
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