President Donald Trump on Thursday, July 4, announced a surprising and unprecedented plan to host a UFC championship fight on the grounds of the White House as part of the United States’ 250th Independence Day celebrations in 2026.
Speaking at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, Trump revealed that the fight, expected to draw between 20,000 to 25,000 spectators, would be one of several major events planned to mark the nation’s semi quincentennial. “Does anybody watch UFC? The great Dana White?” Trump said during his speech. “We’re going to have a UFC fight — think of this — on the grounds of the White House.”
Trump claimed that the fight will be organised by UFC president Dana White, a long-time friend and ally. “We have a lot of land there… Dana is going to do it. Dana is great, one of a kind,” he said. “It’s going to be a championship fight, full fight, with 20,000 to 25,000 people.” The idea of a blood-sport event on White House property is expected to draw criticism from political opponents, but supporters argue it reflects Trump’s signature populist approach to national celebrations.
Trump’s Vision for America250
The UFC fight is just one component of Trump’s broader vision for America250, a yearlong nationwide celebration commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. “Exactly one year from tomorrow, we will celebrate the 250th anniversary of America’s founding with a birthday party the likes of which you have never seen before,” Trump declared.
Trump also announced a few other initiatives including:
- A Great American State Fair in Iowa and across all 50 states
- Special events hosted at national parks, battlefields, and historic sites
- The launch of the Patriot Games, a sporting event featuring top high school athletes nationwide
- The National Garden of American Heroes, a large outdoor park showcasing statues of legendary Americans
- A National Celebration of Unprecedented Scale
Trump’s appearance in Iowa was originally scheduled as the kickoff to America250 events but also doubled as a celebration of his recently passed “One Big Beautiful Bill” The legislation fulfills campaign promises by cutting taxes on tips, overtime, and Social Security benefits. Trump also teased a massive finale next summer: a giant patriotic festival on the National Mall with exhibitions from all 50 states. In addition to Washington, New York City will host Sail4th 250, a six-day extravaganza featuring, over 30 tall ships from international militaries, a Blue Angels air show, displays of rare historical artifacts