Latest news with #NationalGardenofAmericanHeroes
USA Today
4 days ago
- Politics
- USA Today
Trump's hero garden gets funding boost with Big Beautiful Bill. Who will be in it?
President Donald Trump's project to build the "National Garden of American Heroes" has been awarded $40 million, thanks to the megabill dubbed the "Big Beautiful Bill." In February, Trump announced he had ordered the creation of a new national park to display statues of "the greatest Americans who ever lived." Trump signed a similar executive order in 2020, which former President Joe Biden revoked the following year. The order reviving the project was part of a larger initiative preparing for the 250th anniversary of America's independence, and the Trump administration appears to want the garden completed by July 2026. The National Endowment for the Humanities put out a call for people to apply for grants to create the statues to be completed between October and July. They would be assigned historic figures to depict in their statues by the NEH. So who might be memorialized in these statues? Here is what we know: Who will be in the 'National Garden of American Heroes?' The original order suggested the statues should depict "historically significant Americans" such as scientists, civil rights leaders, police officers, labor leaders, judges, authors and teachers, to name a few. "None will have lived perfect lives, but all will be worth honoring, remembering, and studying," the order from 2020 states. In 2021, days before leaving office, Trump signed an order expanding the list of people to nearly 200. Those include: Trump's reinstated order calls on the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy to recommend other potential figures to include in the garden and bring the total number of people honored to 250. The White House did not provide an update on the final list of people who would be included. According to the NEH call for applications, the statues must be life-sized and made of marble, granite, bronze, copper or brass. Where will the hero garden be located? The location still has yet to be determined. The 2020 order specified that the park will be "on a site of natural beauty," near at least one population hub and avoid disrupting the local community. Trump first announced the plans in front of Mount Rushmore, and some people in South Dakota seem eager to bring the statue garden to the state as well. A mining company that owns land near Mount Rushmore offered some of that land for Trump's garden. "I would like to offer those same Black Hills as the perfect location for this garden," South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden said in a March 18 letter to Trump. "In fact, we have plot of land available in sight of Mount Rushmore that would be ideal for this fantastic effort." Contributing: Jason Lalljee, Maureen Groppe, Chris Mueller, USA TODAY Kinsey Crowley is the Trump Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at kcrowley@ Follow her on X and TikTok @kinseycrowley or Bluesky at @
Miami Herald
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Donald Trump's Sculpture Garden Is One Step Closer To Reality
President Donald Trump's National Garden of American Heroes has moved a step closer following the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The bill, which was passed by Congress on Thursday, includes a provision for $40 million to be left available for the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) for the "procurement of statues" through the fiscal year 2028. Newsweek contacted the NEH via email for comment. The sculpture garden is one of Trump's key priorities ahead of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence next year. It was first announced in an Executive Order during his first term in 2021. The order said that the garden would be built to "reflect the awesome splendor of our country's timeless exceptionalism." The order added: "It will be a place where citizens, young and old, can renew their vision of greatness and take up the challenge that I gave every American in my first address to Congress, to 'believe in yourselves, believe in your future, and believe, once more, in America.'" The NEH said in April that the garden will feature life-size statues of 250 "great individuals from America's past who have contributed to our cultural, scientific, economic, and political heritage." It added that it will "create a public space where Americans can gather to learn about and honor American heroes." The agency said it would give selected artists awards of up to $200,000 per statue for the design and creation of up to three works made of marble, granite, bronze, copper, or brass. The NEH said the designs must represent "historical significant" figures identified by Executive Order 13978, including individuals such as John Adams, Clara Barton, Orville and Wilbur Wright, Douglas MacArthur, Martin Luther King Jr., and Christa McAuliffe. Around 240 names were listed in total. Artists, who were required to be U.S. citizens, had until July 1 to submit their applications. Acting NEH Chairman Michael McDonald said in April: "NEH is pleased to collaborate with NEA to bring to fruition the vision of a National Garden of American Heroes. The garden will provide the public with an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of how the lives and accomplishments of these individuals have shaped our history and culture." Trump said in 2021: "The National Garden is America's answer to this reckless attempt to erase our heroes, values, and entire way of life. On its grounds, the devastation and discord of the moment will be overcome with abiding love of country and lasting patriotism. This is the American way. When the forces of anti-Americanism have sought to burn, tear down, and destroy, patriots have built, rebuilt, and lifted up. That is our history. America responded to the razing of the White House by building it back in the same place with unbroken resolve, to the murders of Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King, Jr., with a national temple and the Stone of Hope, and to the terrorism of 9/11 with a new Freedom Tower." He added: "In keeping with this tradition, America is responding to the tragic toppling of monuments to our founding generation and the giants of our past by commencing a new national project for their restoration, veneration, and celebration." Justin Shubow, president of the National Civic Art Society, told CNN: "No one wants an outdoor Madame Tussauds museum and it appears that the administration is taking the right steps to make sure that we get beautiful, inspiring works of art." It is not yet clear where the garden will be built, or when construction will begin. But the NEH said in April that the garden would be built ahead of the 250th anniversary of Independence Day in 2026. Related Articles Donald Trump Gets Polling Boost From HispanicsMan Sues Trump Admin To Keep 70 Million-Year-Old Tyrannosaurus SkullADL Slams Donald Trump for Saying 'Shylocks' 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Donald Trump's Sculpture Garden Is One Step Closer To Reality
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. President Donald Trump's National Garden of American Heroes has moved a step closer following the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The bill, which was passed by Congress on Thursday, includes a provision for $40 million to be left available for the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) for the "procurement of statues" through the fiscal year 2028. Newsweek contacted the NEH via email for comment. President Donald Trump speaking at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, on Thursday. President Donald Trump speaking at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, on Thursday. Alex Brandon/AP Why It Matters The sculpture garden is one of Trump's key priorities ahead of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence next year. It was first announced in an Executive Order during his first term in 2021. The order said that the garden would be built to "reflect the awesome splendor of our country's timeless exceptionalism." The order added: "It will be a place where citizens, young and old, can renew their vision of greatness and take up the challenge that I gave every American in my first address to Congress, to 'believe in yourselves, believe in your future, and believe, once more, in America.'" What To Know The NEH said in April that the garden will feature life-size statues of 250 "great individuals from America's past who have contributed to our cultural, scientific, economic, and political heritage." It added that it will "create a public space where Americans can gather to learn about and honor American heroes." The agency said it would give selected artists awards of up to $200,000 per statue for the design and creation of up to three works made of marble, granite, bronze, copper, or brass. The NEH said the designs must represent "historical significant" figures identified by Executive Order 13978, including individuals such as John Adams, Clara Barton, Orville and Wilbur Wright, Douglas MacArthur, Martin Luther King Jr., and Christa McAuliffe. Around 240 names were listed in total. Artists, who were required to be U.S. citizens, had until July 1 to submit their applications. What People Are Saying Acting NEH Chairman Michael McDonald said in April: "NEH is pleased to collaborate with NEA to bring to fruition the vision of a National Garden of American Heroes. The garden will provide the public with an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of how the lives and accomplishments of these individuals have shaped our history and culture." Trump said in 2021: "The National Garden is America's answer to this reckless attempt to erase our heroes, values, and entire way of life. On its grounds, the devastation and discord of the moment will be overcome with abiding love of country and lasting patriotism. This is the American way. When the forces of anti-Americanism have sought to burn, tear down, and destroy, patriots have built, rebuilt, and lifted up. That is our history. America responded to the razing of the White House by building it back in the same place with unbroken resolve, to the murders of Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King, Jr., with a national temple and the Stone of Hope, and to the terrorism of 9/11 with a new Freedom Tower." He added: "In keeping with this tradition, America is responding to the tragic toppling of monuments to our founding generation and the giants of our past by commencing a new national project for their restoration, veneration, and celebration." Justin Shubow, president of the National Civic Art Society, told CNN: "No one wants an outdoor Madame Tussauds museum and it appears that the administration is taking the right steps to make sure that we get beautiful, inspiring works of art." What Happens Next It is not yet clear where the garden will be built, or when construction will begin. But the NEH said in April that the garden would be built ahead of the 250th anniversary of Independence Day in 2026.
Mint
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Mint
Trump puts MAGA spin on plans for America's 250th birthday bash
There wasn't much that President Trump's advisers could do to lift his dark mood in the winter of 2021, as he prepared to leave Washington after losing his re-election bid. But during a Jan. 5 meeting at the White House with cabinet secretaries and senior aides, Trump was offered a glimmer of hope: America was set to celebrate its 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026. 'You could come back for that," a meeting attendee remarked, according to a person in the room. Trump brightened at the idea of retaking the White House in 2024 so he could oversee the yearlong birthday celebration. More than four years later, Trump is back—and he is determined to put his imprint on the celebration, known as the Semiquincentennial. The federal government has been quietly planning for the event since 2016, when President Barack Obama signed legislation that established a bipartisan commission appointed by congressional leadership to organize the official commemoration. But years of dysfunction on the commission have provided the president and his advisers an opening to step in to give the celebration a distinctly Trumpian touch. Trump will be front and center for major events. He added a White House task force—chaired by him—to direct more of the planning, and is bringing to life 2024 campaign promises such as a National Garden of American Heroes. That is set to feature 250 life-size statues of figures including Ronald Reagan, Milton Friedman, Jackie Robinson and Whitney Houston—all approved by Trump. The president's allies have also been installed as the executive director of the commission and in key roles at the foundation created to support the commission's work. And the White House is partnering with conservative institutions, historians and influencers on 250th anniversary programming. The events are expected to adhere to the administration's wider efforts to portray American history and culture in a positive light only. So far, the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, which is made up of eight lawmakers and 16 private citizens appointed in equal numbers by the Republican and Democratic leaders of the House and Senate, along with other advisers including cabinet secretaries, isn't objecting. But it is facing accusations that it is bowing to Trump and his allies as it recovers from years of behind-the-scenes drama. The commission and its affiliated foundation have been mired in allegations of mismanagement and cronyism, and beset by a now settled sex discrimination lawsuit filed by female executives, a revolving door of top officials and an atmosphere so poisonous that the former chairman and executive director sued several of their fellow commissioners for defamation. Trump is planning to exert influence over some of the biggest coming events in the world, including the FIFA World Cup, which will take place across North America next year, and the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. He has also taken unprecedented measures to shape traditionally nonpartisan organizations including the Kennedy Center and the National Archives. But nothing has captured his imagination quite like the country's 250th anniversary. 'We're gonna have a big, big celebration, as you know—250 years. In some ways, I'm glad I missed that second term because I wouldn't be your president for that. Can you imagine?" Trump said earlier this year. 'Amazing the way things work out." On Thursday, Trump will deliver a speech at the Iowa State Fair billed as the official kickoff to the 250th celebrations—America250 announced it as beginning 'A New Era of American Greatness." The president is expected to preview coming events in a rally-style speech, including his plan to create a yearlong 'Great American State Fair" with showcases from all 50 states, according to administration officials. He is also expected to discuss his accomplishments thus far in the second term. 'Folks that are my age remember the 1976 Bicentennial," Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, 68 years old, said in an interview. The National Park Service, a bureau within Interior, is hosting many of the 250th anniversary events. 'And I think President Trump, he's also competitive. This is going to be bigger than any celebration we've ever had before." Events are planned nationwide throughout the year, by both the federal and state governments, including student programs, re-enactments, a tech expo and a Tall Ships flotilla in New York Harbor, similar to the one that took place in 1976. On July 4 next year, the National Mall will host a celebration with performers and fireworks. Other events are still in planning stages. Critics say the Trump administration and Trump's allies working at the commission's foundation are promoting a partisan vision soaked with MAGA ideology and have hijacked the anniversary for political purposes. 'America's 250th anniversary should reflect the voices and experiences of all Americans. It does not belong to the president of the United States, and was never intended to serve his greed or ambition," said Rep. Bonnie Watson-Coleman (D., N.J.), who sits on the official commission. The commemoration should tell 'the full story of our country while continuing our work toward a more perfect union," she said. Trump's allies working on the planning say they are trying to make the events reflective of the entire country. 'There are a handful of bitter, bitchy Democrat commissioners who still can't come to grips with the fact that Donald Trump was elected president of the United States and by virtue of that leads the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the great country," said Chris LaCivita, the co-manager of Trump's 2024 campaign who is now a special adviser on the plans. 'If they don't like it, they can go do something else." 'President Trump is delivering on his campaign promise to give America's 250th anniversary the grand celebration it deserves, including a full year of events designed to honor important moments in our nation's history," White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said. 'Beginning in Iowa, this unifying, patriotic celebration will bring together families of all backgrounds to reflect on the accomplishments of those who helped make America the greatest country in the world." Beginning with an anniversary dinner in 1826, every 50 years the government has sponsored a commemoration of American independence. While conceived as an opportunity to reflect on the past and contemplate the future in light of the nation's founding principles, political messaging has often lurked in the background. An illustration of the nation's Centennial celebration in 1876 in Philadelphia. President Lyndon B. Johnson quoted soaring language from the Declaration of Independence upon signing legislation to establish the American Revolution Bicentennial Commission on July 4, 1966. 'Today, the Vietnamese people are fighting for their freedom in South Vietnam. We are carrying forward our great heritage by helping to sustain their efforts," Johnson added. Two years later, Richard Nixon rode a conservative backlash into the presidency. At White House meetings, Nixon envisioned 'enlisting our New American Majority as the focal point for the Bicentennial," top aide H.R. Haldeman recalled in his diaries. To minimize his own political risks, Nixon tried to foist the project on a reluctant Vice President Spiro Agnew: 'He was scared of the Bicentennial, because he thinks that it could be disastrous, you can't satisfy people, and it would lead only to trouble," Haldeman wrote. Agnew got that right. The Bicentennial Commission foundered amid allegations of political favoritism, commercialism and mismanagement, and the sanitized version of American history it sought to promote was widely derided. The Congressional Black Caucus complained that the project was devoted to 'big corporate profits and the re-election of Richard Nixon," while New Left activists set up a People's Bicentennial Commission to provide 'revolutionary alternatives" to the official story. Congress dissolved the commission in 1973, and Nixon tapped former Navy Secretary John Warner to slap together a scaled down commemoration in the remaining time. After Nixon resigned in 1974, White House aide David Gergen pushed the new president, Gerald Ford, to deliver 'a blockbuster" Bicentennial speech promising 'to free us once more from the shackles of burdensome government…by wiping out something like the FEA," referring to the Federal Energy Administration, a short-lived agency that regulated oil prices during the 1970s energy crisis, according to a memo in the Ford Presidential Library. Ford ultimately stuck to more anodyne remarks when more than a dozen Tall Ships from around the world sailed in a parade into New York Harbor. A replica of the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia at the 1926 Sesquicentennial. In 2008, with the 250th anniversary still a faint glimmer in the future, Philadelphia investment executive Andrew Hohns founded USA 250 to promote a commemoration that would leave a tangible legacy in his native city, like the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, which the Centennial and the 1926 Sesquicentennial spurred. Hohns worked with Senate staff to draft the Semiquincentennial legislation. Hohns was appointed to the commission by then-Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid, but he was soon sidelined by Dan DiLella, a Pennsylvania real-estate developer appointed by Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and named chairman by Trump in his first term. The commission's early years were dominated by fighting between DiLella and his allies and a minority led by Hohns, who accused DiLella of steering contracts to his friends and business associates, hiring an unqualified associate to serve as executive director and stacking the affiliated America250 foundation with patronage employees. DiLella denied those allegations and has said Hohns was bitter his ideas were rejected. Hohns, who has since resigned from the commission, said he came on board with a 'turn-key plan" inspired by the 1876 Centennial that would have delivered 'major investments in legacy, infrastructure and preservation." Instead, he said, the commission squandered the opportunity and has accomplished little. DiLella, who remains on the commission, didn't respond to an email requesting comment. Ships in New York Harbor during the Bicentennial. In a series of articles, The Wall Street Journal reported on mismanagement and questionable decisions at America250, including a secret deal to turn over Semiquincentennial programming and access to national monuments to Facebook parent Meta in exchange for $10 million, and professional staff complaints that the project was floundering with no focus or public input. Insiders ridiculed some of the project's plans, such as trying to popularize the slogan, 'This Is Our Semiquin," which was stitched on commemorative ball caps. America250 settled the sex discrimination lawsuit, which alleged that the organization was run like a 'Boys' Club" where women faced a hostile workplace, unequal pay and retaliation. America250 denied the allegations. The women who filed suit were required to sign nondisclosure agreements regarding the case, a person familiar with the matter said. President Joe Biden replaced DiLella as chairman with Rosie Rios, who served as U.S. Treasurer in the Obama administration and was appointed to the commission by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer. DiLella then sued Hohns and other dissident commissioners for defamation, alleging that their public comments had cost him his position. A federal judge dismissed the suit after the Justice Department stepped in to defend the dissidents. DiLella's appeal is pending. Although some commissioners considered Rios a heavy-handed leader who did little to increase the project's transparency or accountability, she brought a higher profile to the organization. But she struggled to win attention from the Biden White House, and America250 had few achievements to note by 2024 beyond passage of legislation to mint commemorative coins and the adoption of a new logo. Events were modest, such as a 2023 project inviting Americans to mail in loose-leaf tea that could be thrown into Boston Harbor during a Boston Tea Party re-enactment. An America250 event at the Library of Congress in 2021. Rios saw Trump's election as an opportunity to reset the project for the homestretch. After November's election, she sent Trump and first lady Melania Trump a memo with recommendations for making America250 a signature project for the new administration, according to the organization's annual report. 'I am very supportive of President Trump's participation in our 250th celebrations, as I would be for any president who has the same level of commitment that he has," Rios said in an interview, adding the commission had a mandate to be bipartisan. 'We've always intended to make space at the table for whoever was going to win the November election." Rios sits on the board of Ripple Labs, a crypto company that made the second-largest donation to Trump's inaugural celebration, $4.9 million. Rios said there wasn't a connection to the commission's work. Recognizing there needed to be Trump-affiliated advisers working with America250, Rios asked LaCivita to join as a special adviser, and a wave of Trump allies came aboard. Trump announced Justin Caporale, who orchestrated Trump's 2024 rallies, would work on production for America250 events. Caporale's production company, Event Strategies, was a contractor for the recent U.S. Army parade in Washington. Event Strategies was also listed on paperwork for the Stop the Steal rally ahead of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. Ari Abergel, a 25-year-old former Fox News producer who briefly served as a spokesperson for first lady Melania Trump, was tapped by the president to be executive director of the commission. Abergel brought on Trump's campaign fundraiser Meredith O'Rourke to assist with donor outreach and Monica Crowley, a former Fox News contributor who is now U.S. chief of protocol, to simultaneously be a spokeswoman. The website that runs RSVPs for the coming kickoff to America250 activities at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, Campaign Nucleus, was founded by former Trump campaign director Brad Parscale. Officials at the Library of Congress event. Rios said she approached the Trump administration to have them nominate an executive director and bring in expertise from all sides. Abergel has faced criticism from people involved with America250 planning that he is too inexperienced to be executive director and that he answers solely to Trump instead of the commission, according to people familiar with the matter. At a closed-door meeting Tuesday, commission leaders said they were unhappy with unilateral changes Abergel had made to programming the commission had already approved, an America250 official said, adding the agency is working to get the programming back on track as approved by the commission. 'President Trump is the King of Patriotism. And when it comes to celebrating America, nobody goes bigger," said Abergel in a statement. 'A few disgruntled individuals won't stop us from making America250 the most patriotic celebration in American history." While Rios has been enthusiastic about the Trump administration's support for the celebrations and has been praised by Trump's advisers for her collaboration, some of Trump's allies have viewed the commission and Rios, a Democrat, with suspicion. Sen. Mike Lee, (R., Utah), accused America250 last year of 'serving as a taxpayer-funded vehicle to advance and promote radical ideologies" such as supporting Pride month and employing a DEI official, and wrote in a letter to Rios that he has 'grave reservations about the Commission's capacity" to host a successful event. At the White House, Trump created a separate group called Task Force 250, chaired by Trump and made up of cabinet officials and senior aides. An executive order signed by Trump his first week in office established the group, called for building the garden with statues of national heroes and directed the task force to coordinate federal government agencies' plans for the yearlong celebration. Efforts in the West Wing are being spearheaded by Domestic Policy Council Director Vince Haley and policy adviser Brittany Baldwin, and each agency has a Task Force 250 leader. White House officials meet virtually with state leaders each month to discuss planning. Trump's cabinet—in particular Education Secretary Linda McMahon and Burgum—are also involved in the planning of Task Force 250 events. The White House and America250 coordinated on the Army 250th Parade in Washington last month, where Trump donors were offered VIP packages for the parade and coming events. Spectators at the Army parade on June 14. 'The president's vision of having the greatest birthday celebration in American history will not be compromised or impeded by any corner," the official said. 'Right now, there's no impediment for getting things done at the moment, and hopefully there won't be." The White House has been working on plans to celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Other ideas under consideration include a 1776 Presidential Award for students showing knowledge of history, a Patriot Games sports competition for student athletes and a 'Freedom Plane" similar to the 'Freedom Train" that crossed the nation with historical documents and memorabilia in celebration of America's Bicentennial. Administration officials are also considering organizing a ball drop in Times Square and said it would mark the first time a ball would drop in the famous New York tourist destination not on New Year's Eve. The White House is partnering with private organizations to create some of the materials and programming for the events, including PragerU, a conservative nonprofit that describes its mission as promoting 'liberty, limited government and Judeo-Christian principles" through short videos, telling a story of achievement from 'Moses to Trump," as co-founder Allen Estrin put it. The White House also worked with Larry Arnn, the president of Hillsdale College, a private, Christian, conservative liberal-arts college, and Wilfred McClay, a historian there, to produce a video lecture series called 'The Story of America" that appears on the White House website. Arnn has been critical of progressive influence on the media, other universities and corporate America. The administration has also discussed partnering with conservative influencers and commentators on programming. 'President Trump understands the world is watching," Burgum said. 'People are like, oh, democracy is fragile. No, democracy is quite resilient, and the democracy of the United States has stood the test of time and is now here. We are not in decline, we are in ascendance." Write to Meridith McGraw at and Jess Bravin at
Wall Street Journal
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Wall Street Journal
The National Garden of American Heroes: A Folly in Three Dimensions
Next Tuesday, July 1, is the deadline for artists to submit applications to contribute to the National Garden of American Heroes, a joint venture of the National Endowment for the Humanities and the National Endowment for the Arts. The project, proposed during the first Trump administration and revived this year, would create an outdoor display, in an as yet undetermined location, of 250 life-size statues of individuals 'who have contributed to our cultural, scientific, economic and political heritage,' as the NEH's April 24 press release states. Grants of up to $200,000 per statue are available, with the subjects drawn from a wide-ranging list contained in President Trump's Jan. 18, 2021, Executive Order 13978. Applicants must 'submit a two-dimensional or three-dimensional graphic representation of the preliminary concepts for up to three statues of selected individuals, accompanied by a description of the proposed project and workplan.' Successful applicants will be notified by Sept. 25 and must deliver their finished statue(s) by June 1 of next year. According to Acting NEH Chairman Michael McDonald, 'The projected unveiling date for the Garden is on or about July 4, 2026.'
