Eye-watering cost of Trump’s ‘beautification projects’ as America celebrates 250th anniversary
Donald Trump’s America 250 celebrations span from a ginormous ‘Independence Arch’ to a record-breaking fireworks show
The 250th anniversary of America’s independence has finally arrived – and to say a lot of money has been spent on the milestone would be an understatement.
From Trump’s face being stamped onto passports, to a cage fight outside the White House, and a whole lot of gold, it’s safe to say the plans, which kicked off last month, have been elaborate.
The festivities are being organised by two separate groups – America 250, which was established by Congress ten years ago to plan nonpartisan events, and Freedom 250, which was created by the US president, 80, and is a public-private partnership.
As reported by the BBC, $150 million (£112 million) in federal funds has been allocated for the birthday celebration; however, millions of dollars more are said to be being spent by Freedom 250.
Many people have slammed the celebrations as ‘beautification projects,’ including former Democratic president Joe Biden, who called Trump a ‘narcissistic loser.
So, as the US celebrates its big day, we’ve rounded up everything the nation is doing to commemorate it – and how much it’s reported to cost.
Arc de Trump – up to $100 million
One of the most talked-about projects associated with America’s 250th birthday is the 250-foot-tall ‘Independence Arch,’ which has been nicknamed ‘Arc de Trump’.
The Republican leader announced his plans last year to build the arch among the historic monuments in Washington, D.C, just across from the Lincoln Memorial at the entrance of the Arlington Memorial Bridge.
USA Today reports that it’s expected to be erected within the next two to three years and will have will have three levels – a ground floor, a mezzanine, and an observation deck.
As for costs, those are estimated at as much as a jaw-dropping $100 million, according to Axios. However, Forbes reports that the Trump administration has yet to present an official estimate for the monument.
The White House UFC fight – over $60 million
Another of Trump’s bizarrely unique celebrations was, of course, the UFC fight night that took place on the South Lawn of the White House on 14 June – which also happened to be the president’s birthday.
A whopping 4,300 people were in attendance for the invite-only event, dubbed UFC Freedom 250, on the South Lawn, while a further 85,000 fans gathered at a nearby fan zone to watch the action unfold.
As reported by TIME Magazine, a court filing outlined that the event was expected to cost more than $60 million.
“In preparation, well over $60 million and tens of thousands of hours of labor have been expended,” the document read.
A White House official told the outlet at the time: “UFC is funding and paying for this entire event. There are no taxpayer dollars being used outside of what would be applied towards employees’ normal duties and responsibilities.”