President Trump announces 'Patriot Games' for high school athletes

When the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026, top high school athletes from around the country will gather at the nation’s capital to compete in a youth sports competition called the ‘Patriot Games.’

President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that this event will feature athletes from all 50 states as part of America’s semiquincentennial festivities. Per the White House, Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. will be in charge of the nationally-televised games.

Details on the types of competitions involved or how athletes will be selected have not yet been disclosed by the White House.

“[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 said in an interview.

Trump’s announcement of the Patriot Games, along with other events planned for next July 4th, was made at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa. He said the competition would “show off the best of American skill, sportsmanship and competitive spirit.”

Next year’s Independence Day celebration is set to begin with a Great American State Fair that starts in Iowa and visits state fairs across the United States. This tour will culminate with celebrations at the National Mall on July 4.