America250 exec fired over Kirk memorial post

Ariel (Ari) Abergel, the executive director of the U.S. Congressional Semiquincentennial (America250) Commission, was terminated effective immediately after he used a commission social‑media account to post a tribute following Charlie Kirk’s assassination, the commission said. The commission accused Abergel of a 'security breach,' misrepresenting himself and other breaches of authority; Abergel disputes that characterization, says he was honoring Kirk, claims internal dysfunction at America250, and says he was appointed earlier in 2025 by the Trump administration and will be reassigned.