Ahead of the Fourth of July, President Trump announced a new sporting competition for high school student-athletes. The Patriot Games will be a televised, national competition including student-athletes from all 50 states.
According to Newsweek, Trump did not specify how the student-athletes would be selected nor what sports would be included in the competition. He did confirm that the Patriot Games will take place on the National Mall as a part of the United States’ 250th anniversary.
President Trump said the Patriot Games will “show off the best of American skill, sportsmanship and competitive spirit.” He continued, “There could be no better birthday present for America than to celebrate the nation's values and competitive excellence.”
Despite being billed as an apolitical event, many are skeptical of the game’s intentions and its ability to placate deep partisan divides both across the country and on Capitol Hill.
The Department of Health and Human Services will be in charge of the Patriot Games.
“[This is] something that I think that all Americans can come together to celebrate and honor our history as well as our present and our future,” official Monica Crowley told On3.
The Patriot Games will be just one of many events scheduled for the Fourth of July 2026, as the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary. A nationwide state fair tour, UFC events in Washington D.C., themed art exhibits and new tours of national monuments will also take place.
