Founding Father, first U.S. secretary of the treasury (1789–1795)
The United States marks its semiquincentennial while commentators insist America is still a work in progress. The nation has celebrated, debated, and confronted its founders’ legacy, with civics, law, and culture in the spotlight.
As the 250th anniversary of independence approaches, scholars argue John Dickinson’s contributions have been overlooked. Calvert, founder of the John Dickinson Writings Project, emphasizes Dickinson’s push for gradual independence and legal protections for the vulnerable, challenging the enduring image of him as a marginal figure.
The White House reveals updated perimeter security plans, including fencing Lafayette Park and a new underground screening facility, as part of a broader modernization drive. Projects are advancing amid ongoing security concerns and dramatic architectural changes across Washington.
Trump has replaced the Oval Office lawn with a white stone patio, installing statues of American founders in the Rose Garden area. The installations, some gift or loaned, include Jefferson, Washington, Hamilton, Franklin and a sculpture named Freedom’s Charge, with broader renovation plans underway.