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As America celebrates its Independence Day on July 4, US President Donald Trump has a “spectacular” plan for it: a championship UFC fight at the White House lawn, fireworks lighting up the sky, patriotic songs echoing across the nation. On Thursday, Trump launched a yearlong celebration marking the 250th anniversary with a rally at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, where he also announced plans to host a UFC championship fight at the White House as part of the festivities.
The kickoff event in Iowa included patriotic entertainment and fireworks. The event comes ahead of the July 4 holiday and marks the beginning of the America250 campaign, which will culminate on July 4, 2026, exactly 250 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Trump said Thursday’s rally was the beginning of a national birthday celebration. “We’re gonna have a big, big celebration, as you know — 250 years,” he said, as per USA Today.
During his speech, Trump added, “We’re going to have a UFC fight, think of this, on the grounds of the White House.”
According to USA Today, Monica Crowley, White House ambassador for major US-hosted events, said, “We are planning parties. We are planning a national celebration to really unite the country. Bring the country together out of shared patriotism, shared values and a renewed sense of civic pride.”
Trump, often dubbed the “Combatant in Chief” in mixed martial arts circles, has been a visible presence at UFC events and sees the sport’s fanbase as part of his political coalition. He most recently attended a UFC bout in New Jersey in June.
The proposed event would accommodate 20,000 to 25,000 spectators and be built in collaboration with UFC President Dana White, a longtime Trump ally.
According to Reuters, UFC and its parent company, TKO Group Holdings, have not yet responded to the proposal.
Hours before the event, Congress passed a major tax-and-spending bill backed by Trump.
“There could be no better birthday present for America than the phenomenal victory we achieved just hours ago, when Congress passed the one big beautiful bill to make America great again,” Trump said, as per AP.
He plans to sign the legislation during a picnic at the White House on Friday, while stealth bombers and fighter jets that participated in recent airstrikes in Iran fly overhead.
The America250 initiative was created by Congress in 2016 through the US Semiquincentennial Commission and is being led by a nonprofit of the same name, as per USA Today.
Among the activities announced or proposed are:
A Great American State Fair, described by Trump as a “unique, one-year exhibition featuring pavilions from all 50 states.”
A National Garden of American Heroes, reinstated by Trump via executive order.
A Great American Road Trip, announced by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, that will highlight popular travel routes, historic landmarks and scenic destinations in all 50 states.
The Patriot Games, a sports competition for high school athletes.
A student writing and art contest asking “What does America mean to you?”
In addition to this, a nationwide storytelling project, a volunteerism initiative, and a traveling tech expo are also planned or proposed.
A full calendar of the events has not yet been released.
(With inputs from USA Today, Reuters, AP)
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