Donald Trump unveiled plans on Thursday, December 18, 2025, for a four-day athletic competition he calls the “Patriot Games,” featuring one young man and one young woman from each state as part of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations in 2026. The announcement immediately sparked widespread mockery online, with critics comparing the event to the dystopian Hunger Games series.
The “Patriot Games” will be part of commemorations for 250 years of American freedom. The unprecedented athletic event showcases young athletes in a format that bears striking similarities to Suzanne Collins’ 2008 work, in which one boy and one girl from each district participate in a lethal competition.
Social media erupted with comparisons to the fictional nation of Panem as soon as the announcement was made. The selection process—one male and one female from every state—left many users questioning whether artificial intelligence had written the proposal. California Governor Gavin Newsom led the charge in mocking the announcement, sharing content highlighting the perceived absurdity of the initiative.
Brian Tyler Cohen, a political commentator, responded to the announcement online. The Democrats’ official account joined the criticism by posting a direct quote from the dystopian franchise that mirrored Trump’s proposal almost word for word.
The “Patriot Games” represent just one component of an elaborate series of festivities planned throughout 2026. The Washington Monument will be illuminated with festive lights, creating what Trump promised would be a spectacle unlike anything previously seen. A triumphal arc will be constructed, with Trump noting that America needs such a monument and specifically mentioning Paris, France’s Arc de Triomphe as his inspiration.
Trump announced that construction on the arc would begin soon, though specific timelines were not provided. Vince Haley has been assigned the triumphal arch project.
The National Mall will host a Great American State Fair from June 25 to July 10, featuring pavilions from states across the country. The fair will highlight innovations and celebrate American history and culture in what Trump predicted would be an unmatched display.
Additional plans include the creation of a National Garden of American Heroes, which will feature statues of luminaries including Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Muhammad Ali and Albert Einstein. The garden represents Trump’s vision of honoring exceptional Americans who have shaped the nation’s history.
A major prayer event is scheduled for the National Mall, designed to rededicate the country. Trump emphasized his commitment to maintaining traditional American religious references.
On Flag Day, the White House will host a UFC event featuring Dana White, a longtime Trump ally. The president also announced the establishment of Freedom 250, a new public-private partnership created to help execute the celebratory plans. The organization will work with states, companies, and organizations across the country to coordinate the various events.
Critics suggested the entire announcement appeared to have been generated by artificial intelligence, pointing to the grandiose language and unusual formatting. The timing of the “Patriot Games” also came under scrutiny, with Trump stating the athletic competition would be held in the fall rather than during the summer months when athletes are typically available.
The online backlash extended beyond simple mockery, with many Americans expressing frustration at what they perceived as misplaced priorities. Critics argued that resources devoted to elaborate celebrations could be better spent addressing pressing domestic issues such as healthcare affordability and housing accessibility.
The comparison to a dystopian blood sport proved difficult for the administration to shake. While Trump’s event involves athletic competition rather than combat, the selection mechanism struck many observers as tone-deaf, given the popularity of the franchise’s anti-authoritarian themes.
Freedom 250 will serve as the coordinating body for the anniversary celebrations, working to renew the patriotism, pride, and pioneering spirit of America and lay the groundwork for the next 250 years of independence and freedom. Trump promised that 2026 would mark a time unlike any other under the banner of America 250.
Whether the “Patriot Games” will proceed as announced remains unclear, but the initial reception suggests the administration faces significant public relations challenges. The convergence of youth athletic competition, state-by-state selection, and elaborate government-sponsored pageantry created what many viewed as an uncomfortably familiar scenario from popular fiction.
The announcement video featured Trump outlining his vision for 2026 as a celebration like no other, honoring the nation. The message detailed multiple events spread throughout the year, each designed to mark different aspects of American achievement and history. Despite the president’s enthusiasm, the immediate public response focused almost entirely on the Hunger Games comparisons rather than the patriotic themes Trump had emphasized.