Trump brings big sports to White House for US independence celebration

As part of the America 250 program, the White House is expected to serve as the central venue for the celebrations, with major sports among the key elements of the festivities.

According to the outlet, leaders of the top US professional sports leagues will arrive in Washington in the coming days to discuss the role of sports in the anniversary events. Sources within the administration say the Oval Office meeting will include the commissioners of the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL - Roger Goodell, Adam Silver, Rob Manfred, and Gary Bettman.

The main idea is to include special matches, themed exhibitions, and ceremonial events in the 2026 calendar, synchronizing them with key anniversary dates. Sporting events are expected to become part of a continuous series of celebrations culminating on July 4, 2026 - US Independence Day.

Separately, Trump announced the launch of a new format known as the Patriot Games. These will be four-day competitions for high school students, with one boy and one girl representing each state. The games are planned for the fall of 2026.

Another high-profile initiative will be the hosting of an official UFC tournament directly on the White House grounds. According to the president, the bout on the South Lawn is scheduled for June 14, 2026 - Flag Day and Trump’s birthday.

Part of a political strategy

Experts believe the emphasis on sports is part of a political strategy to mobilize younger voters, particularly men, ahead of the midterm elections. Involving the most popular professional sports leagues gives the administration an opportunity to reach millions of Americans and reinforce the rhetoric of national unity.

At the same time, critics have already voiced concerns about the format of the youth competitions, comparing them to mass television shows such as The Hunger Games.

The White House has rejected these criticisms, stressing that the project is purely sporting and symbolic.

UFC tournament at the White House

Trump said as early as October 2025 that UFC fights at the White House would take place on the day of the anniversary.

Reuters reported that Trump considers UFC President Dana White a close friend and views fans of the sport as part of his political base.

White previously said that the UFC would spend $700,000 to replace the grass on the White House lawn after the event.

The agency noted that since becoming president, Trump has regularly attended UFC fights and most recently appeared at an event in New Jersey in June.

At the same time, reports emerged that the controversial Irish fighter Conor McGregor has officially resumed preparations for a return to the octagon.

After a three-year hiatus due to injury, he is preparing for a bout that will become part of the historic UFC tournament in the US.