During a celebration event in Iowa, President Trump floated the idea of hosting a major sporting event on the White House grounds as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary festivities next year. Addressing a crowd at his “Salute to America” gathering, he spoke enthusiastically about plans to commemorate the milestone with a range of national activities, including youth competitions and special events at iconic landmarks.
Among the events he proposed was a professional Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) match held right on the South Lawn of the White House. He told attendees that such a spectacle could be part of a broader sporting initiative called the “Patriot Games,” which he said would engage young athletes and highlight American traditions and values throughout the year.
Referring to UFC President Dana White, a longtime friend and political ally, Trump said White would take the lead in organizing the fight. He envisioned a full-scale championship match that could attract a crowd of up to 25,000 spectators, although such an event would likely require extensive coordination and approval from security and public officials.
The idea marks another instance of Trump’s ongoing support for the UFC, a sport he has repeatedly praised. Trump has made multiple appearances at UFC events in recent years, often receiving enthusiastic receptions from fighters and fans alike. Many athletes in the organization have publicly voiced their admiration for the former president, sometimes making statements of support immediately after their matches.
As plans for the country’s semiquincentennial celebration continue to unfold, Trump has made it clear that he wants the year to be filled with high-energy, patriotic events that reflect American culture and strength. Whether or not the proposed UFC event materializes, it underscores his unconventional approach to presidential pageantry and his desire to bring sports and entertainment into the heart of national observance.
