As America’s semiquincentennial, or 250th anniversary, comes around the corner, our country’s
pursuit of liberty and justice for all is being celebrated in new ways. However, some events, such as the Patriot Games, are less centered around “we the people” and more around one man in the white house.
The Patriot Games are scheduled to take place in the fall of 2026. According to an article published by CNN, the competition will consist of one girl and one boy from each state and territory of the Constitution.
While the Patriot Games, planned to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States, would highlight student athletes from around the country, the games ultimately serve to glorify Trump’s own success. The games should not take place, as they fail to respect student-athletes and the standards of the United States.
When viewing President Donald Trump’s proposed Patriot Games and the opportunities they would provide high school athletes, it would be easy to assume that the games would benefit high schoolers from around the country. However, Trump’s true intentions in the event must be examined.
Sports Illustrated describes the event as a “national showcase” of American talent. While physical activities have a key impact on everything from school spirit to the athletes as individuals, Trump truly aims to show off the success he has obtained as president, as opposed to student accomplishments.
As of Feb. 13, 2025, Trump’s “Make America Healthy Campaign” was launched with a focus on targeting childhood wellness. These efforts are being championed by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy.
While childhood wellness needs to be a definite priority, the actions behind this initiative would involve reducing the number of mandated vaccines for children and reversing the food pyramid. These changes have all been questioned by healthcare professionals outside of the White House.
Vaccines play a fundamental role in our country’s wellness, and should be taken seriously because of that.
In fact, there were 508 million cases of preventable illness from routine vaccinations among U.S.-born children between 1994 and 2023, according to the Center for American Progress.
Taking these controversial health standards into account, when examining that the Patriot Games are going to be televised and led by Kennedy, one must ask, how virtuous is Trump’s pursuit of such an athletic and health-oriented event?
Trump’s emphasis on a young, healthy America is in contrast to the rest of his health-related actions, which appear to be harmful to the physical well-being of America’s youth. However, it is right in line with the other self-celebratory events recently held, such as the parade he hosted for his own 79th birthday this past June.
The parade utilized 6,500 troops, along with 150 vehicles and 50 aircraft for the celebration, whose presence cost millions of dollars in federal funding, according to an article published by Reuters. This was an out-of-the-ordinary event, which unusually glorified the President.
Ultimately, the Patriot Games could provide an opportunity for high school athletes; however, the overall goal of the event may not be in the best interests of the youth. Students should continue to inquire about new government actions, as protecting the truth and the integrity of our country as a whole is essential.