DOGE cuts see small towns across the nation forced to pare down America 250 celebrations
Community News
By Ariana Baio
July 1, 2026
This feature was originally published on July 1, 2026, by The Independent.
Sweeping cuts to federal funding by Elon Musk's DOGE initiative mean that small towns across the nation have been forced to pare down planned celebrations for America's 250th anniversary.
The Department of Government Efficiency cut more than $100 million in grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities last April at the direction of the administration because the funding did not align with President Donald Trump's agenda.
As part of its role, the National Endowment for the Humanities offers grants to state councils and nonprofits to support cultural and historical education. But DOGE's cuts meant that humanities councils in Ohio, Illinois, Arizona, West Virginia and more were left with dwindling funds to celebrate the nation's landmark birthday.
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