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Trump Taps Vance-DeSantis Aide Jordan Wiggins for America250 Role

Trump Taps Vance-DeSantis Aide Jordan Wiggins for America250 Role/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The White House has nominated Republican strategist Jordan Wiggins to lead the America250 Commission, overseeing preparations for the U.S.’s 250th birthday in 2026. Wiggins previously worked with JD Vance and Ron DeSantis, and now awaits commission approval. He would replace Ariel Abergel, who was removed last month over internal conflicts.

Trump Taps Vance-DeSantis Aide Jordan Wiggins for America250 Role

America250 Leadership Transition + Quick Looks

  • White House nominates Jordan Wiggins to lead America250.
  • Wiggins previously worked with JD Vance and Ron DeSantis.
  • He would replace Ariel Abergel, ousted after Instagram controversy.
  • The commission must vote to confirm the nomination.
  • America250 plans include nationwide events and a National Mall fair.
  • The July 4, 2026 celebration marks the U.S. Semiquincentennial.
  • The Trump-signed July 2025 bill allocated $150M for America250.
  • The Congressional America250 Caucus is now the largest in history.

Deep Look: Trump White House Nominates GOP Strategist Jordan Wiggins to Lead America250

WASHINGTON — October 22, 2025The White House has nominated Jordan Wiggins, a veteran Republican operative with close ties to JD Vance and Ron DeSantis, to serve as executive director of the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, also known as America250, according to sources familiar with the decision.

If confirmed, Wiggins would take over management of the commission’s ambitious plans to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States in July 2026, a monumental undertaking now less than nine months away. His nomination comes after the recent dismissal of former executive director Ariel Abergel, who was fired after unauthorized posts on the commission’s official Instagram account and internal disputes with commissioners.

Who is Jordan Wiggins?

Wiggins has built a strong political résumé within Republican circles. He managed Vice President JD Vance’s successful 2022 Senate campaign in Ohio, later served as chief operating officer for Never Back Down, the super PAC that backed Ron DeSantis’ 2024 presidential campaign, and held the role of deputy campaign manager during DeSantis’ 2018 gubernatorial run.

His nomination reflects the Trump administration’s continued reliance on trusted Republican campaign operatives for key federal positions.

“America250 is continuing to work closely with Task Force 250 and the White House to identify a new executive director,” said Rosie Rios, chair of America250 and former U.S. Treasurer under President Obama. “We look forward to sharing more on this important role soon.”

Rios emphasized that any new executive director must be approved by a commission vote, in accordance with the body’s founding legislation.

What Is America250?

The Semiquincentennial Commission was established to plan and execute celebrations, programs, and educational initiatives for the country’s 250th birthday in 2026. It operates independently from the White House’s America 250 Task Force, but the two coordinate regularly.

The bipartisan commission includes:

  • 16 private citizens
  • 8 members of Congress
  • 12 non-voting federal officials, including Trump cabinet members like Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum

Commission Initiatives

Under its umbrella, America250 oversees several major national projects:

  • America’s Field Trip – A nationwide student essay contest about the meaning of America, with travel prizes.
  • Our American Story – A growing oral history archive capturing diverse personal narratives.
  • The Great American State Fair – A massive public event scheduled for July 2026 on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

These initiatives have earned broad bipartisan support. In July 2025, the Congressional America250 Caucus became the largest ever formed, with 322 members evenly split between Democrats and Republicans. This surpasses even the influential Diabetes Caucus, which previously held the record.

Federal Funding and Political Backing

The Trump administration solidified federal support for the America250 project through a $150 million allocation included in the sweeping 2025 Republican legislative package. The funding supports national and state-level events designed to unite Americans around the country’s founding legacy.

Despite its nonpartisan mission, America250’s leadership appointments have occasionally sparked controversy. Ariel Abergel, a former Melania Trump aide and Fox News producer, was removed last month following an unauthorized post and what insiders described as tensions with other commissioners.

Now, Jordan Wiggins awaits a vote of confirmation from the commission — a process expected in the coming weeks. The role is considered pivotal as the timeline for executing large-scale national celebrations grows shorter.

The White House has yet to publicly comment on the nomination.


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