A man and woman from each state and territory summoned to the nation’s capital to battle it out before a national audience.
If that sounds more like the plot of Suzanne Collins’ dystopian book series “The Hunger Games,” than a U.S. government-sanctioned event, you’re not alone. President Donald Trump said this week that a sporting event called the “Patriot Games” is among those in the works for the White House’s celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence next year.
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On Thursday, Trump promised to give the U.S. “the most spectacular birthday party the world has ever seen” with a slate of programming called “Freedom 250.” Trump has previously floated several ideas for the celebration, and his Administration has directed agencies to rapidly align themselves with the President’s priorities.
Trump said the “Patriot Games” would be an “unprecedented four-day athletic event featuring the greatest high school athletes: one young man and one young woman from each state and territory.” In a nod to his Administration’s campaign against transgender athletes, he added, “But I promise there will be no men playing in women’s sports. You’re not going to see that.”
The slate of events for next year is being organized by “Freedom 250”, “a national, non-partisan organization leading the Administration’s celebration of America’s 250th birthday,” according to its website. The organization describes itself as “a movement of citizens, organizations, companies, and leaders from across the country to honor our nation’s proud history, cherish our God-given freedoms, and build the Golden Age of Opportunity for the next 250 years.”
The invocation of God is not incidental. Among the planned events is a major prayer gathering on the National Mall, which Trump said would “rededicate our country as one nation under God.”
“We’re not changing that, there are a lot of people who would like to see it, it’ll never happen,” Trump said.
The White House also called for “one million Americans” to dedicate an hour each week to prayer, with the invitation, “Will you join with at least 10 people to meet each week for one hour to pray for America?” A list of participating organizations is dominated by Christian and Catholic groups, as well as some conservative groups and figures like anti-abortion organization 40 Days for Life, right-wing media group WallBuilders, and the architect behind Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign social media strategy, Alex Bruesewitz.
The other festivities, which are set to take place from June 25 to July 10, include a “Spirit of America” parade honoring fallen soldiers, a “Birthday Fireworks Celebration” on the National Mall, and a “Great American State Fair” with exhibits from all 50 states. The White House also plans to host a UFC fight on the White House’s South Lawn on June 14, marking both Flag Day and Trump’s 80th birthday. It would mark the first time that the White House has hosted a sporting match.
The White House has also begun sharing on YouTube and elsewhere a series of videos called “the Story of America” made in partnership with Hillsdale College, a Michigan-based conservative, Christian liberal arts college. The Administration is also conducting a review of the Smithsonian Institution, demanding that it “celebrate American exceptionalism” and “remove divisive or partisan narratives.”“All of this is just the beginning,” Trump said Thursday. “2026 will be a celebration of America like no other, honoring our nation and all of its glory.”