Conservative Brands Rally in Texas for 'America First' 250th Kickoff

FORT WORTH, TX – April 21, 2026 – On April 30th, the historic Fort Worth Stockyards will play host to an event blending rodeo thrills with conservative political messaging as Patriot Mobile, a self-described “Christian conservative wireless provider,” partners with the America First Policy Institute (AFPI) for the “America First Freedom 250 Rodeo and Concert.” The event, positioned as a kickoff for the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations, aims to fuse entertainment with philanthropy, with proceeds benefiting the Special Forces Trust.

The gathering at the iconic Cowtown Coliseum highlights a growing trend of politically-aligned businesses leveraging cultural events to advance their brand identity and ideological goals. Featuring a professional rodeo, a concert by the Josh Abbott Band, and a lineup of prominent conservative personalities, the evening is designed to be a potent mix of patriotism and political rally.

“We’re honored to help kick off America’s 250th birthday with an event that celebrates the enduring spirit of our nation while giving back to those who sacrifice so much to defend it,” said Patriot Mobile CEO Glenn Story in a statement. The company has pledged to match the first $10,000 in donations for the Special Forces Trust, a charity supporting Green Berets and their families.

The Business of Values

Patriot Mobile, founded in 2013, has carved out a unique niche in the telecommunications market by explicitly tying its services to a conservative Christian worldview. Operating as a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) using the infrastructure of major carriers, the company’s primary differentiator is its activism. A portion of every customer's bill is directed toward organizations that align with its “Four Pillars of Giving”: the First Amendment, the Second Amendment, the sanctity of life, and support for military veterans and first responders.

This business model has proven to be more than just a marketing strategy. In 2022, the company established Patriot Mobile Action, a political action committee (PAC) that quickly made a significant impact on local politics in Texas. The PAC, initially funded with over half a million dollars, successfully backed 11 conservative candidates for school board races across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. This campaign, aimed at what the company calls a stand against “leftist indoctrination” in schools, brought the wireless provider national attention and demonstrated its commitment to translating its brand values into direct political influence.

The company’s list of supported organizations reads like a who's who of the American conservative movement, including Turning Point USA, the National Rifle Association, Gun Owners of America, and Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America. This partnership with the America First Policy Institute is a natural extension of that strategy, aligning the company with a powerful think tank born from the modern “America First” movement.

The 'America First' Powerhouse

The co-sponsor, the America First Policy Institute (AFPI), is a 501(c)(3) non-profit founded in 2021 by high-ranking officials from the first Trump administration, including former Small Business Administrator Linda McMahon and former National Economic Council Director Larry Kudlow. Often described as an “administration-in-waiting,” AFPI works to develop and promote policies aligned with the America First agenda, covering everything from economic strategy and election integrity to foreign policy and cultural values.

Fueled by substantial funding from conservative foundations and donors, including a $1 million donation from former President Trump's Save America PAC, AFPI has established itself as a major force in conservative policy circles. Its stated mission is to advance policies that prioritize American workers, families, and communities, and its involvement in the Fort Worth event underscores its efforts to engage grassroots support through culturally resonant events.

“We are grateful to see sponsors like Patriot Mobile partnering with Special Forces Trust to make this concert possible,” stated Stacey Schieffelin, an AFPI chair and chief external affairs officer. The collaboration provides a platform for AFPI to connect its policy goals with a patriotic celebration, reinforcing its brand among a key demographic.

Philanthropy Meets Politics

At the heart of the event’s philanthropic messaging is the Special Forces Trust, a registered 501(c)(3) charity dedicated to providing comprehensive support for U.S. Army Green Berets and their families. The organization offers a range of programs focused on mental and emotional wellness, family resilience, and child support. Initiatives like the “Beyond the Battlefield” platform provide confidential therapy sessions to address operational stress and combat suicide within the elite community, while its “THRIVE” and “STRIVE” programs offer workshops and events for spouses and children, respectively.

The involvement of a legitimate and respected military charity provides a powerful emotional core to the event. For Patriot Mobile, supporting the trust aligns perfectly with its fourth pillar of giving, while for AFPI, it connects the “America First” platform to the tangible support of the nation’s elite warriors. This model, where charitable fundraising is integrated into politically charged events, has become increasingly common as organizations seek to demonstrate that their ideological commitments are matched by concrete action.

A Partisan Start to a National Celebration

As the United States gears up for its Semiquincentennial in 2026, events are being planned across the country by the official U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission and various state and local bodies. These official commemorations often aim for broad, non-partisan appeal. In contrast, the “America First Freedom 250” event in Fort Worth is unapologetically political.

The evening will be hosted by Benny Johnson, a prominent right-wing political commentator and YouTuber known as the “Godfather of the Conservative Internet.” Johnson, a contributor for Turning Point USA, has a history of controversies, including a dismissal from BuzzFeed for plagiarism and being identified among influencers who unwittingly worked on behalf of Russia in 2024. The inclusion of Johnson, along with guests like Pastor Jentezen Franklin, an evangelical advisor to political figures, firmly frames the celebration within a specific ideological camp.

By blending the universally appealing themes of rodeo, country music, and support for troops with the specific political branding of “America First,” the event serves as a microcosm of a polarized nation. It transforms a national milestone into an opportunity to rally a political base, build community around a shared set of values, and solidify the connection between conservative commerce and political power.