He's Insane!': Trump Called Out for Recruiting Kids for New White House Spectacle Weeks After UFC Flop -- And Critics Note 'Hunger Games' Comparisons

Donald Trump is expanding Washington’s high-profile events again with Patriot Games 2026, a new televised-style competition aimed at high school athletes. The event runs as part of the yearlong Freedom 250 celebration, and applications are open to students aged 14 to 17. According to the Freedom 250 details, every state will select one male and one female athlete, and the program is scheduled from Aug. 9 through Aug. 13, ending with a televised championship. The scholarship prize pool totals $250,000, with $125,000 awarded to the male and female champions. Supporters and critics debated the format after online comparisons to “The Hunger Games,” and the article says critics referenced social media reactions to Trump’s claim that there would be no men playing in women’s sports. The announcement follows earlier mega-events mentioned in the piece, including the Great American State Fair on the National Mall through July 10 and the Freedom 250 Grand Prix IndyCar race on Aug. 23.