U.S. Consulate in Japan spent $92K on ‘America 250’ ice sculpture of the White House

The U.S. State Department, through its consulate in Sapporo, Japan, spent more than $92,000 on a large snow and ice sculpture of the White House as part of President Donald Trump’s initiatives to celebrate “America 250,” the semiquincentennial of the United States.

Federal spending records reviewed by Urgent Matter show that the U.S. State Department issued a purchase order totaling $92,417.67 for the “production of snow and ice sculptures.” The contract began on December 22, 2025, and ran through February 5.

Transaction records show the initial contract obligated about $78,635, but a supplemental modification added another $13,783 on January 28, raising the total value of the purchase order.

It was funded entirely through the State Department’s Unconditional Gift Fund, according to the federal spending record.

Sapporo, located on Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido, hosts the annual Sapporo Snow Festival, one of the world’s largest winter events featuring elaborate ice and snow sculptures.

Ahead of the event, Trump-appointed U.S. Ambassador to Japan George Glass announced that visitors “will be able to view America 250-themed snow and ice sculptures during the week-long spectacle.”

“This year is about celebrating America’s remarkable history, rich culture, deep-rooted values, and enduring contributions to the world,” Glass said in January. “Here in Japan, it is also about recognizing our extraordinary partnership with Japan and our shared achievements over many decades.”

The U.S. Embassy in Japan shared images on Facebook of the sculpture, which depicts the north façade of the White House—including its columned North Portico—carved in relief from a large block of packed snow.

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