TIME published a special semiquincentennial issue in 2026 to coincide with the United States' 250th birthday. The issue included contributions from public figures and featured a cover created by artist Shepard Fairey.

TIME also published a list titled "America's Most Iconic Companies" at the beginning of 2026. This list was based on a national survey conducted in partnership with research firm Statista. The ranking featured 250 companies, including Ford, Apple, and the Walt Disney Co.

Various public figures contributed to the semiquincentennial issue by selecting American icons. Apple CEO Tim Cook chose the iPhone, while SpaceX executive Gwynne Shotwell selected the rocket. Filmmaker Ken Burns picked the Lincoln Memorial, and designer Ralph Lauren identified the Empire State Building. Bill Ford selected Michigan Central Station, Olympian Mikaela Shiffrin chose the Rockies, and climber Alex Honnold selected Yosemite. Authors Ann Patchett, George Saunders, and Min Jin Lee each selected books defining America.

Historian James T. Kloppenberg wrote a piece for the issue about the individuals who founded the United States. Kloppenberg stated, "They fought on behalf of ordinary citizens empowered, for the first time in modern history, to act on the idea that all authority in a democracy comes from, and remains in the hands of, the people."

Shepard Fairey created the cover for the semiquincentennial issue, which marked his fourth cover for TIME. The artwork incorporates imagery from throughout U.S. history and channels the symbolism of the Statue of Liberty. The design of the package for the issue was handled by Victor Williams with Jennifer Panzer, and Kim Bubello selected the photography.

Additionally, TIME launched a video series titled "The CEO Moment," sponsored by Cognizant. The publication also featured an excerpt from an interview with Brian Moynihan, who is the CEO of Bank of America.

Why It Matters

The United States will celebrate its 250th birthday in 2026. TIME, which has been in publication for 103 years as of 2026, produced a special issue to mark this occasion, continuing a historical pattern of engaging with national anniversaries. TIME co-founder Henry Luce previously named the 20th century the "American century." The inclusion of pieces from leaders in technology, business, and arts, along with historians, reflects a perspective on American history and culture.