President Donald Trump has unveiled a new athletic event called the ‘Patriot Games,’ set to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the United States next year.
The event, which he describes as part of ‘the most spectacular birthday party the world has ever seen,’ will feature one young man and woman from each state and territory competing for top honors.
The specific rewards for the winners remain undisclosed, but Trump is optimistic about the event’s potential impact.
“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,” he stated. “We’re going to have a good time.”
The ‘Patriot Games’ are scheduled for fall 2026, with Trump describing the event as an ‘unprecedented four-day athletic competition featuring the greatest high school athletes, one young man and one young woman from each state and territory.’
Trump further remarked, “But I promise there will be no men playing in women’s sports. You’re not gonna see that. You’ll see everything but that.”
Details about the event are still sparse, but the official Freedom 250 website hints at an exciting future: “From opening heats to the live final day in front of a live audience, these competitors will light the torch for a new generation of Americans.”
The concept has drawn comparisons to The Hunger Games series, with social media users noting similarities to the competitive event described in the franchise.
For those unfamiliar, The Hunger Games is a dystopian series where two children from each district compete in a deadly contest of survival.
While the President’s plans are not believed to mirror this precisely, the announcement has raised eyebrows and led to speculation about his inspiration.
"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
The Democratic Party highlighted the similarities by sharing a scene from the first Hunger Games movie, featuring President Coriolanus Snow (Donald Sutherland) explaining the fictional games.
https://t.co/Be412U7jV5 pic.twitter.com/xps5NIRdix
— JB Pritzker (@JBPritzker) December 18, 2025
“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,” Snow says in the scene. “The lone victor, bathed in riches, would serve as a reminder of our generosity and our forgiveness. This is how we remember our past. This is how we safeguard our future.”
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker also drew comparisons to The Hunger Games, sharing an image of Snow raising a champagne glass in response to the announcement.