Trump’s Freedom 250 seeks consent for donation email during free ticket signup; later claims ‘mistake’
Americans sign up for free tickets to presidential inauguration Donald TrumpThe 250th anniversary celebration was initially asked to agree to receive donation requests through a Trump-related registration system.
Free 250 It has since said the fundraising language was included in error and has been removed.
On June 24, the “America is Back” launch event was held on the National Mall in Washington. The celebration marks the opening of the Great American State Fair, one of several Freedom 250 events commemorating America’s 250th anniversary. President Trump gave a speech that headlined the evening, and military bands and an Air Force flyover accompanied the festivities.
According to USA Today, an RSVP link on the event’s ticketing page directed attendees to a Trump-branded registration link at 45.donaldjtrump.com and asked registrants to opt-in to text messages to consent to reminders, donation requests and other communications. Users must also provide a mobile phone number, although the page describes this as optional.
Also read: Report finds women save more for retirement than men, but still have smaller 401(k) balances
What is 45.donaldjtrump.com on the Freedom 250 website?
The Freedom 250 website requires potential attendees to register through the link 45.donaldjtrump.com.
The registration page for the June 24 launch event further asks attendees to provide an email address and optional mobile phone number to receive free tickets. It also includes an opt-in box requesting consent to receive recurring SMS and MMS messages containing alerts, donation requests, and other updates.
USA Today reported that the registration process was managed through Campaign Nucleus, a political technology company founded by Trump’s former campaign manager Brad Parscale. The publication also found registration links leading to a WinRed fundraising page associated with NeverSurrender Inc., Trump’s main political fundraising committee.
Why does the Freedom 250 face criticism?
Campaign finance and ethics experts told USA TODAY that collecting attendee information raises concerns because cell phone numbers and email addresses are valuable political fundraising tools.
Critics question whether information gathered through taxpayer-supported public campaigns ultimately benefits partisan political operations.
Lisa Gilbert, co-chair of watchdog group Public Citizen, said participants should fully understand how their personal information is being collected and used before consenting.
“Information capture must be voluntary and understandable,” Gilbert said. “As annoying as it is that Trump has turned our nation’s birthday into a Republican-only celebration, it adds a layer that forces the capture of data and packages it into the MAGA fundraising machine.”
Former Home Office deputy solicitor Tony Ireland also questioned whether government-backed activities should be tied to political fundraising infrastructure if public resources are involved.
“Any use of government funds, time or resources to raise funds or influence an election is unlawful,” Ireland said.
What did Freedom 250 say?
Freedom 250 spokesperson Rachel Reisner acknowledged that the text message language provided by the vendor referred to fundraising during sign-up, but said it did not reflect how the system actually works.
“We learned that some of the standard consent language provided by vendors related to opting in to receive text messages related to fundraising,” Reisner told USA TODAY. She added that the wording was quickly corrected and the text messages were limited to event logistics and updates.
When asked why registrants were directed to the “45.donaldjtrump.com” website, Reisner said a vendor used a link shortener in its text messaging system. She said the vendors did not host the events.
However, USA Today reports that the link redirects users to WinRed.
Communications Director Danielle Alvarez also said Freedom 250 will not sell, rent or share attendee information with Trump-affiliated political entities. Data collected through responses is only used to send logistical updates and important event information, she said.
After the language was removed, the registration page for the upcoming Freedom 250 event no longer mentions the donation request. The revised table describes text messages as providing alert, update, and event information. They also state that text message information will not be rented, sold or shared.
