The United States will celebrate its 250th anniversary of independence on July 4, 2026. with nationwide events, educational programs, and cultural commemorations. For more information, visit America250
America250’s mission is to celebrate and commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, marking America’s Semiquincentennial. We aim to inspire our fellow Americans to reflect on our past, strengthen our love of country, and renew our commitment to the ideals of democracy through programs that educate, engage, and unite us as a nation. America250 will foster shared experiences that spark imagination, showcase the rich tapestry of our American stories, inspire service in our communities, honor the enduring strength, and celebrate the resilience of the United States of America.
Significance of the Semiquincentennial
The 250th anniversary, also called the United States Semiquincentennial, marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, a pivotal moment in American history.
The United States Semiquincentennial, also called the Bisesquicentennial, the Sestercentennial, or the Quarter Millennium, will be the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence. Festivities will mark various events leading up to the Declaration’s anniversary on the 250th Independence Day: July 4, 2026.
Under the President’s leadership, the entire federal government, state and local governments, the private sector, non-profit and educational institutions, and every citizen across this country are encouraged to join in this historic celebration.
Task Force 250 invites citizens to rekindle their love of American history, experience the beauty of our country, and ignite a spirit of adventure and innovation that will raise our nation to new heights over the next 250 years.
In commemoration of events leading up to the July 4, 2026, anniversary, the White House presents this original video series, “The Story of America.”
Official planning for the celebrations began in 2016 with the congressional, non-partisan United States Semiquincentennial Commission (America250). In 2025, federal resources were diverted to the Donald Trump-aligned White House Task Force on Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday (Freedom 250) to promote and plan new events. Celebrations began with the United States Army 250th Anniversary Parade on June 14, 2025[1], with America250 events formally starting on July 3, 2025.[3][1]
Planned festivities include commemorative coinage, UFC Freedom 250 at the White House, a “Great American State Fair” at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, OpSail 2026, a Times Square Ball drop, and the Freedom 250 Grand Prix around the National Mall. Part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held across the United States, with matches in Philadelphia and Houston on the date of the Semiquincentennial.
These events take place as part of the broader commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary, following the proclamation by Donald J. Trump, President of the United States of America, that 2026 be a Year of Celebration and Rededication. Across the country, individuals, families, and communities are being encouraged to pause, pray, and consider the future of the Nation.
“For 250 years, our Nation and our people have abided by a simple truth: Every person is born with the God-given right to practice their faith, follow their conscience, and worship their God freely and without fear. This Religious Freedom Day, we honor America’s distinct place in the halls of history as the only Republic ever founded upon this sacred principle — and we renew our commitment to upholding our proud legacy as one glorious Nation under God.”
“More than 400 years ago, a band of weary settlers set sail on a perilous journey across the Atlantic on the Mayflower in search of religious liberty — setting in motion the most epic struggle for freedom and faith in the history of the world. Over a century later, following a bloody Revolutionary War fought to secure our God-given rights, the Virginia General Assembly moved to dismantle the tyrannical laws of the British Crown and replace them with statutes worthy of a free people. From that effort emerged the legendary Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom. In that historic declaration, Founding Father Thomas Jefferson proclaimed that God “created the mind to be free” and that every individual “shall be free to profess their opinion in matters of religion.” These principles, codified into Virginia law on January 16, 1786, later became the foundation of our First Amendment, immortalizing in ink the free exercise of faith.”
“This year, as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence, my Administration is boldly bringing faith back to the public square because the freedom of religion means the freedom to practice your religion proudly, publicly, and without fear of persecution. As President, I am leading a renewal of faith in our schools, military, workplaces, hospitals, and halls of Government because the revolution of common sense is incomplete without a resurgence of faith in God.”
“To further strengthen families and protect religious freedom, I established the White House Faith Office and the Religious Liberty Commission. I also proudly established a Task Force to Eradicate Anti-Christian Bias, which is charged with identifying and eliminating all anti-Christian policies, practices, and conduct in executive departments and agencies. I directed the Department of Education to protect the foundational First Amendment right to prayer in public schools. And as part of my Administration’s historic Freedom 250 initiative, we launched America Prays — an invitation to Americans of every background to join together in prayer for wisdom, guidance, and blessing as our Republic enters its next great chapter.”
“From the establishment of the Jamestown Colony to the Pilgrims’ arrival at Plymouth Rock, through periods of war and peace and through every challenge and every triumph, religious faith has indelibly shaped our character, informed our laws, and strengthened our national spirit. This Religious Freedom Day, I pledge that I will never stop fighting to restore America as a Nation of prayer, a country of faith, and a radiant beacon of liberty and justice for all.”
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim January 16, 2026, as Religious Freedom Day.
“I call on all Americans to commemorate this day with events and activities that honor our Nation’s proud history of religious freedom, and I especially encourage families to gather at places of worship to praise Almighty God for the blessings of liberty He has bestowed on our great country.
“IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fiftieth.”
DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America
