State humanities councils across the U.S. face significant setbacks in planning for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence due to federal funding cuts under the Trump administration. The National Endowment for the Humanities has canceled grants impacting various community initiatives. Leaders express concerns about the implications for local history education and cultural events, emphasizing the risk of diminished national commemorations that reflect diverse American heritages. With substantial cuts reported—amounting to $740,000 in Georgia and $600,000 in Louisiana—many planned programs are jeopardized, prompting community leaders to voice their disappointment.