Trump-backed organizer of America's 250th birthday events may have duped donors, report from House Democrats alleges | CNN Politics

Trump-backed organizer of America’s 250th birthday events may have duped donors, a House Democrats report alleges, raising questions about nonprofit oversight for the anniversary. The interim, 41-page report compiled by Democratic staff on the House Natural Resources Committee cites confidential but unnamed sources claiming donors intending to back the bipartisan America250 nonprofit may have been redirected without their knowledge to Freedom 250, a group aligned with President Donald Trump. It alleges that incorrect wire instructions could have shifted money and warns this could constitute potential wire fraud and charitable solicitation fraud, without specifying any diverted amount. The report says Trump allies aimed to sideline America250 while centering the president and “selling” access in exchange for donations. It also describes a dispute over federal funds: Congress allocated $150 million, with America250 allegedly expecting $100 million but receiving only $25 million so far, amid an alleged refusal to release promised federal funding. CNN sought comments from Freedom 250, America250, the White House and the National Park Foundation.