President Donald Trump has revealed new details about a White House-backed sporting event called the Patriot Games, set to headline America’s 250th birthday celebrations in 2026.
The event was announced as part of Trump’s Freedom 250 plans, which will run from June 25 to July 10, 2026. Speaking in a video shared on social media, Trump positioned the Patriot Games as a central feature of the anniversary celebrations in Washington, DC.
According to the president, the Patriot Games will be a four-day athletic competition featuring high schoolers from across the country. One male and one female competitor will represent each US state and territory.
“A four-day athletic event featuring the greatest high school athletes, one young man and one young woman, competing from each state and territory,” Trump said.
Trump also used the announcement to restate his opposition to transgender athletes competing in women’s sports.
“But I promise there will be no men playing in women’s sports. You’re not going to see that,” he added.
What else is part of Freedom 250?
While full details of the competition format have not yet been released, the Patriot Games are expected to run alongside other major ‘Freedom 250’ events, including a Spirit of America parade honoring fallen soldiers and a large-scale fireworks display on the National Mall.
The White House said the broader celebrations are designed to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary with what Trump has described as an unprecedented national event.
“Frankly, you’ll never see anything like it and you’ll never see anything like it again,” Trump said in the video announcement.
Trump also confirmed that the Freedom 250 celebrations will include several high-profile attractions beyond the Patriot Games, including a Great American State Fair featuring pavilions from all 50 states and a potential UFC event on White House grounds.
“All of this is just the beginning. 2026 will be a celebration of America like no other,” Trump said.
Further information about the Patriot Games, including venues, qualification criteria, and broadcast plans, has not yet been announced by the White House.
