America250 vs. Freedom 250: what’s the difference?

You may have recently heard of two organizations with very similar names: America250 vs Freedom 250.

Both organizations are throwing several major events leading up to America’s 250th anniversary celebration on July 4. But confusion and new political controversy are raising questions over the difference between the two.

Over the weekend, President Donald Trump announced the cancellation of a concert series celebrating America’s 250th anniversary after several headliners announced they would not perform at the Great American State Fair.

The artists, including Bret Michaels, Martina McBride and Young MC, claimed they were misled in participating in the “divisive” event.

Freedom 250, created under an executive order by Trump, is organizing events such as the Great American State Fair, as well as the Washington, D.C., July Fourth fireworks and the Patriot Games National Competition, while also having a hand in planning the expected White House UFC fight and an IndyCar race in the nation’s capital. It reportedly operates as an outside fundraising arm, relying largely on donations.

Congress also reportedly allocated $150 million in federal funds to commemorate America’s 250th birthday. But now, some lawmakers accuse Freedom 250 of using a portion of the money to fund events under the executive branch.

Watchdog organizations have also filed lawsuits demanding the release of the funding documents, alleging that the Trump administration illegally redirected two-thirds of the $150 million for Freedom 250 events.

Lawmakers have further accused Freedom 250 of “selling” access to Trump in exchange for millions of dollars in overseas donations to fund the anniversary events.

Meanwhile, America250 was established by Congress as a bipartisan committee in 2016, focusing mostly on historical and educational events nationwide, including “America’s Block Party,” an event expected to happen in Washington on July 3 and 4. Organizers say their funding is backed by federal dollars allocated by Congress and private donations as a nonprofit.

Rosie Rios, chair of America250, clarified the organization’s role in the celebrations.

“This role of making sure that we engage all 350 million Americans is very important to us, and that means no political ideology whatsoever,” Rios said. “I’m thrilled and proud to say there’s no politics, just purpose.”

While several artists may have dropped out of the Great American State Fair concert series, others like Vanilla Ice and Flo Rida may still perform.

Freedom 250 also said Trump plans to make an appearance to kick off the Great American State Fair, starting June 25.

An inquiry to Freedom 250 about the status of the concert series went unanswered.