Gerald Ford was president during the United States Bicentennial in 1976, the predecessor to America250.
Ford became the 38th president in August 1974 after Richard Nixon resigned. He was therefore in the White House when the United States celebrated 200 years since the Declaration of Independence in 1976.
The Bicentennial produced nationwide ceremonies, exhibitions, parades, public art, and patriotic displays. The celebration included the tall ship visit known as Operation Sail, which brought vessels from many countries to New York Harbor.
Ford spoke at several Bicentennial events, including a ceremony in Philadelphia on July 4, 1976. Jimmy Carter won the presidential election later that year and took office in January 1977, so he was not president on the anniversary date.