Trump touts ‘Patriot Games’ as part of country’s 250th celebration
1:24President Donald Trump addresses the media following the signing of an executive order that reclassifies marijuana as a less harmful substance in the Oval Office at the White House, Dec. 18, 2025, in Washington.Evan Vucci/AP
On Thursday, President Donald Trump detailed the celebrations the White House is organizing for next year to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary, fulfilling his promise to deliver America “the most magnificent birthday celebration the world has ever witnessed.”
Trump, who has repeatedly mentioned during the 2024 campaign that he would host a grand festivities akin to historical world fairs, officially presented the schedule of events, dubbed “Freedom 250,” on social media.
According to the White House, multiple activities are set to occur from June 25 to July 10, including a “Spirit of America” parade to honor those who have sacrificed their lives, a “Birthday Fireworks Celebration” on the National Mall that is expected to be the largest display of its kind globally, and a “Great American State Fair” featuring exhibits from all 50 states.
President Donald Trump speaks to reporters after signing an executive order reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug in the Oval Office of the White House, Dec. 18, 2025, in Washington.Evan Vucci/AP
"Honestly, you won’t witness anything like this, and you won’t see anything like it again," Trump stated in his announcement video.
The president, who often attends various sporting events, also confirmed plans for a “Patriot Games” event — which he described as a “four-day athletic competition featuring the finest high school athletes, one male and one female, representing each state and territory.”
"But I assure you, there will be no men competing in women’s sports. That’s not going to happen," Trump remarked, as he continued to voice his opposition to transgender athletes.
The enthusiastic Ultimate Fighting Championship fan also continued to hint at the administration’s intention to host a UFC fight on the South Lawn of the White House on Flag Day, June 14, which coincidentally is also Trump’s 80th birthday. UFC CEO Dana White, a fervent supporter of the president, is slated to organize the event, as Trump previously announced, marking a historic first for the White House to host a sporting event.
"This is just the beginning. The year 2026 will be a celebration of America like no other, honoring our nation and its greatness to facilitate these thrilling events," Trump concluded in the video.
Trump’s announcement comes after his end-of-year message to the nation, as the administration attempts to showcase Trump’s accomplishments from his first year in office ahead of the holiday season while he faces low approval ratings, particularly regarding the economy.
Alongside the celebrations, Trump continues to emphasize new construction initiatives he is undertaking in and around the nation’s capital. He stated that work on his latest project — a “triumphal arch” intended to be erected near the entrance to Arlington National Cemetery — will commence in the “very near future.”
Last week, Trump mentioned that Vince Haley — a speechwriter from his campaign who now serves as the director of the Domestic Policy Council — is responsible for overseeing the arch project.
"I assigned Vince to lead the triumphal arch project. We’re constructing an arch similar to the Arc de Triomphe, and it will be situated by the Arlington bridge, near the Arlington Cemetery, directly across from the Lincoln Memorial," Trump stated during a Christmas reception on Sunday.
"It’s something incredibly special; it will be comparable to the one in Paris. But honestly, it surpasses it in every aspect. … It’s the only significant city in the world that lacks a triumphal arch. You know what that means. And this one is going to outshine them all," he added.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com