President Trump announced plans to hold a four-day athletic competition featuring top high school athletes across the country to celebrate America’s 250th birthday in 2026, calling it the “Patriot Games.” “I pledged to give America the most spectacular birthday party the world has ever seen for America’s 250th anniversary on July 4th next year,” Trump said. “Already, we’ve had big celebrations to commemorate the 250th birthdays of the Army, the Navy, and the United States Marines, but there is much, much more to come. We’re going to have a good time,” he continued. “In the fall, we will host the first ever Patriot Games, an unprecedented four-day athletic event featuring the greatest high school athletes. One young man and one young woman from each state and territory,” Trump explained. “But I promise there will be no men playing in women’s sports. You’re not going to see that,” he added. Check it out: GREAT NEWS: President Trump announces the PATRIOT GAMES, a four-day athletic event featuring one young man and woman from each state and U.S. territory for America 250th Epic "I promise there will be no men playing in women's sports. You're not going to see that. You'll… pic.twitter.com/Ulw4q13BRE — Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) December 18, 2025 The Hill shared more: Other events planned for 2026 include a “Great American State Fair” that will feature exhibits from all 50 states on the National Mall from June 25-July 10; an Independence Day celebration that will include fireworks and a military flyover; and an Ultimate Fighting Championship event that will take place at the White House on June 14. Democrats mocked Trump’s announcement, comparing the four-day athletic competition to “The Hunger Games.” Others defended the event as a showcase of the country’s most talented youth athletes. "And so it was decreed that, each year, the various districts of Panem would offer up, in tribute, one young man and woman to fight to the death in a pageant of honor, courage and sacrifice." (The Hunger Games, 2012) https://t.co/fCx32lUMYb pic.twitter.com/3FJw4boQLv — Democrats (@TheDemocrats) December 18, 2025 USA TODAY noted: The celebrations are separate from those being hosted by America 250, the bipartisan organization established by Congress in 2016 to lead planning of the country’s milestone birthday. “America250 welcomes Freedom 250 and its initiatives that will give the American people more ways they can celebrate America’s 250th birthday,” Rosie Rios, chair of the first group, said.