Gerald Ford led the federal government during the 1976 Bicentennial celebrations.
Ford was the 38th president of the United States and served from August 1974 to January 1977. He was president throughout the Bicentennial year, when the country commemorated the 200th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. His vice president was Nelson Rockefeller.
Ford took part in several major Bicentennial observances. He presided over the nationally televised fireworks display in Washington, D.C., and participated in events connected with the celebration. In 1976, Congress also appointed George Washington posthumously to the rank of General of the Armies, effective July 4, a recognition associated with the Bicentennial.
The question can cause confusion because Richard Nixon was president when the American Revolution Bicentennial Commission was created in 1966, while Jimmy Carter became president after the 1976 election. Ford therefore—not either neighboring administration—was the president in office during the anniversary year itself.