AI-Summary – News For Tomorrow
Ari Abergel, a Trump appointee to the US Semiquincentennial Commission (America250), was fired amid accusations of a “security breach” and unauthorized actions related to the commission’s programming, finances, and communications. Abergel denies these claims, stating he was terminated for posting “God bless Charlie Kirk” on the America250 Instagram after the conservative activist’s death. He alleges the commission is misrepresenting the situation to justify his firing. Meanwhile, the Trump administration defends Abergel’s work and is pursuing its own plans for the 250th anniversary celebration, including a proposed UFC fight near the White House.
News summary provided by Gemini AI.
The nonpartisan US Semiquincentennial Commission said in a statement that Ari Abergel, who was put in place by the White House this spring, “initiated a security breach of a Commission social media account” and “engaged in unauthorized actions related to Commission approved programming, finances, and communications.”
President Donald Trump earlier this year installed allies at the non-partisan body, also known as America250, including Abergel and his former campaign manager Chris LaCivita as an adviser.
Abergel disputed the commission’s characterization of his firing on Tuesday. In a statement to CNN, he insisted he was fired for posting “God bless Charlie Kirk” on an account he oversaw and had “full access” to, referring to a September 11 post to America250’s Instagram account that features a photo of the conservative activist, who was killed at a speaking event at a Utah university the day before.
“Now, Rosie Rios is using ridiculous language like ‘Security Breach’ to try and justify an unjust firing. The fact is that I was fired for a post that Rosie didn’t like,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration has charged ahead with 250th planning of its own, touting plans for a UFC fight in front of the White House.
White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly said in a statement Tuesday the administration “is incredibly proud of all of Ari Abergel’s work at America250 – most notably during the Army250 parade, which boldly honored the bravery and strength of our military men and women.”
