FFRF filed suit under the Freedom of Information Act in October 2026 after the Trump administration refused to release records related to religious events tied to the 250th anniversary celebrations. The case is against the Department of Interior and National Parks Service. The lawsuit seeks to compel the release of documents detailing federal involvement in religious programming associated with the administration’s “Freedom 250” and “America 250” initiatives.
Shortly after taking office in 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14189. This was to commemorate the United States’ semiquincentennial through numerous events and programming throughout 2026. One event, “Rededicate 250: A National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise & Thanksgiving,” took place on May 17, 2026, on the National Mall.
FFRF first submitted a FOIA request to the National Park Service on March 5th, 2026. This sought all permit applications, issued permits, memoranda, schedules and communications relating to the Rededicate 250 event. Despite repeated attempts by FFRF’s legal counsel to obtain the records, the agencies have produced nothing.
FFRF submitted a second FOIA request on May 13th, 2026. This expanded the investigation to the broader Freedom 250 initiative and religious programming. That request sought contracts, agreements, memoranda of understanding, payment records and communications involving Freedom 250. Particularly those connected to religious worship and prayer. The request also sought information about “America Prays,” a faith-based initiative Trump announced promoting nationwide prayer activities, including events associated with the anniversary celebrations.
As of the lawsuit being filed, the government had not provided proper responses or the requested records.
FFRF is represented by DC Attorney Wade McMullen, as well as FFRF Litigation Attorney Nancy A. Noet and Legal Director Patrick Elliott.
