This year, America looks forward to celebrating 250 years from its original declaration of independence on July 4, 1776. Because of the significance of this event, President Trump has made it clear that he plans on honoring the day at an incredibly large scale, establishing a Freedom 250 task force, a year long Great American State Fair, the repainting of the reflection pool, and more. Events such as these have been done previously during America’s Bicentennial in 1976, but due to the now polarized view of Patriotism, these plans have some Americans worried. 

Members of the Democratic party have come out and advocated against the creation of projects for the 250th anniversary such as the proposed “Triumphal Arch”  in D.C. Although the building of this arch is claimed to be in the name of the anniversary, many Democrats believe that it is only being built to make President Trump look more powerful and wastes millions of tax dollars. “Your taxes might be going up. But don’t worry — at least $15 million of it is going toward Trump’s arch project,”said California Governor Gavin Newsom in a post on X. The arch has also brought up executive overreach concerns, as the project was put into motion without congressional approval. “ Clearly, we’re being snookered here. It seems to be the East Wing demolition all over again, where they just plow ahead without asking permission, without following the law.” stated California Democrat Rep. Jared Huffman.

President Trump still denies claims that the arch will be created for anything but the 250th celebration. “ This will be a wonderful addition to the Washington D.C area for all Americans to enjoy for many decades to come!” said Trump on Truth Social. Even though this event for our nation is meant to unite Americans, it seems that it has only proved for more division.