Ariel Abergel, a 25-year-old former Fox News producer handpicked by Donald Trump to organize the military rally that rolled tanks and troops through the streets of Washington, D.C. this summer has been fired.
The Trump ally had also been the executive director of lead America250, tasked to plan a massive celebration for the nation's 250th birthday.
A Wall Street Journal report suggested his firing followed a controversial Instagram post Abergel made about Charlie Kirk.
But the bipartisan Semiquincentennial Commission told the newspaper that it removed Abergel after he “initiated a security breach of a commission social-media account, attempted to procure the resignations of multiple commissioners by misrepresenting himself as acting on behalf of congressional leadership, and engaged in multiple other serious and repeated breaches of authority and trust."
Abergel claims he was fired after sharing a memorial post reading "America is in mourning. God bless Charlie Kirk," which featured a photo of the slain 31-year-old MAGA commentator. He insisted he had first requested the organization make an official statement about Kirk before taking action independently.
His rapid career trajectory included a brief White House stint during Trump's first term and a producer role on Fox & Friends Weekend. Abergel, who graduated college in 2021, quickly rose to oversee America250's operations and was responsible for organizing Trump's military parade last June.
The parade was a controversial event designed to celebrate the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary. The parade, which coincided with Trump's 79th birthday, featured military vehicles and personnel, drawing criticism for its perceived political spectacle and significant taxpayer expense.
Trump was reportedly furious that the event, which did not draw the huge crowds he'd hoped for, failed to project the intimidating image he'd hoped for. It was widely mocked as a failed show of strength.
Some commission members expressed concerns that Abergel was transforming the national celebration, set for July 4 next year, into a Trump-centric event. New Jersey Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman criticized him, stating it was "unfortunate that what was meant to unite the country and honor its history has been twisted into yet another scheme for his own personal gain."
Abergel rejected the commission's explanation for his firing, calling it "malicious lies" designed to "distract from the truth." He was initially suspended for the social media post before being asked to resign and ultimately terminated.
Despite the controversy, White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly praised Abergel's work, particularly the Army250 parade, which she said "boldly honored the bravery and strength of our military men and women."