Trump's 'Hunger Games': President to Watch Teens Compete in 'Patriot Games'

US President Donald Trump is expected to arrive in Ohio tonight to watch the finals of the 'Patriot Games' – a youth sports competition promoted by the White House as part of the 250th anniversary of US independence. The competition features 120 teenagers aged 14 to 17 from all US states, territories, military families, and tribal communities. The prize: scholarships totaling $250,000. Trump came up with the idea in 2023, and the event ties into his presidency's growing connection to sports.

US President Donald Trump is expected to arrive in Ohio tonight (between Tuesday and Wednesday) to watch the finals of the 'Patriot Games' – a youth sports competition promoted by the White House as part of the 250th anniversary of US independence. The competition, which since its announcement has struggled to avoid comparisons to 'The Hunger Games', includes 120 teenagers aged 14 to 17, selected from each US state, along with representatives of American territories, military families stationed overseas, and tribal communities. They compete over three days before a national audience, with the prize being scholarships totaling $250,000 – $125,000 for each of the male and female champions crowned tonight in the semifinals and finals. The path to the competition included a screening process: candidates had to submit a video, a personal essay, and data on their athletic performance, from which a weighted score was compiled. According to CNN, some participants heard about the competition through Instagram influencers or through military-affiliated bodies, and not all reside in the state they represent. The tasks were designed to test the 'complete athlete' and included a 100-meter run, hurdles, long jump, power ball throw, team games, obstacle course, tug-of-war, and a shooting competition. Trump raised the idea of the games in 2023 during his presidential campaign, and the event ties into his presidency's growing connection to sports: in June he hosted a UFC event at the White House, became the first sitting president to attend an NBA final, and last month took the stage at the World Cup final. He is now also promoting an IndyCar race on the streets of Washington.