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Yomiuri Shimbun
a day ago
- Politics
- Yomiuri Shimbun
From UFC Fights to State Fairs, Trump Unveils Plans for Nation's 250th
DES MOINES – He was a teenager when the World's Fair came to his native Queens in 1964. As an adult, he built a casino along the Atlantic City boardwalk called Trump's World Fair. And as a candidate, he flew in a helicopter over the Iowa State Fair and took a bite from a pork chop on a stick. Now, as president, Donald Trump is trying to create the carnival-like atmosphere of state and world's fairs to showcase next year's celebration of the nation's 250th birthday. Trump on Thursday returned to the Iowa State Fairgrounds, a place that had little to do with the founding of the nation but one that has played a role in his political biography, to launch a year-long festival that will culminate on July 4, 2026. The centerpiece of that birthday celebration will be 'the Great American State Fair,' which Trump pitched to the crowd as 'an enormous year long nationwide celebration of our heritage.' 'We will celebrate the 250th anniversary of America's founding with a birthday party, the likes of which you have never seen before,' he said. The effort, he said, is going to include a UFC fight on the grounds of the White House that will be overseen by Dana White, the chief executive of UFC and a longtime Trump supporter. 'We have a lot of land there,' Trump said. 'We're going to have a UFC fight – championship fight, full fight, like 20,000, 25,000 people. . . . The UFC fight is going to be a big deal.' White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed he was serious about the proposal. Trump also said that he would host nationally televised athletic competitions showcasing high school students from each state in an event he's calling the 'Patriot Games.' That effort, he said, will be overseen by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ('He's great,' Trump said. 'And he's a little different, right?') Much of his campaign rally-style, hourlong speech was spent touting the signature legislation that passed earlier in the day, a bill that he is planning to sign at the White House on Friday afternoon ahead of Independence Day fireworks. '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,' he said. At one point while describing the bill he used a term many consider to be an antisemitic slur while referencing unscrupulous bankers. 'No death tax. No estate tax. No going to the banks and borrowing from, in some cases, a fine banker – and in some cases, shylocks and bad people,' he said. Joe Biden in 2014 also used the term during a speech, later apologizing for it. The semiquincentennial celebrations will give the showman president a powerful platform from which to project his vision of U.S. strength and history onto the world. But at a moment when the country is deeply divided along partisan lines, the plans are also likely to spur vigorous debate over how to tell the story of the nation's history – and who should be the narrator. From the Oval Office, Trump has sought to reframe how American history is told, renaming federal monuments and creating displays that advance his vision of the country. He has denounced a full telling of that history, one that includes the country's flaws, as unpatriotic – stoking deep tensions about race and identity throughout his political career. Trump in March signed an executive order titled 'Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History,' which claimed to address the ways his political opponents 'undermine the remarkable achievements of the United States by casting its founding principles and historical milestones in a negative light.' His administration has sought to minimize leaders and events that do not square with his ideology, stripping the name of gay rights leader Harvey Milk from a Navy ship and restoring the last names of Confederate generals to Army installations. In his remarks on Thursday, he touted his policies against transgender Americans, about making English the official language of the United States, and called those who pushed to rename military bases that previously honored Confederates 'radical left lunatics.' 'In everything we do, we're once again defending the values, traditions and beliefs that made every generation before us so very proud to be American,' he said. Trump originally conceived of the fair as an event on the Iowa State Fairgrounds that would bring 'millions and millions of visitors from around the world to the heartland of America for this special, one-time festival.' But the event has evolved into a more sprawling celebration beyond the pavilions of Des Moines with a grand title: 'A New Era of American Greatness.' Now, the America 250 Commission will host a two-week fair on the National Mall next year around July 4, including food vendors and exhibits from all 50 states, according the White House official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe private plans. The 'Great American State Fair' will also travel around the country to state and county fairs over the next year. Trump has said he wants the fair to 'promote pride in American history,' and expanded on plans in his speech. 'The Great American State Fair will bring America 250 programing to fairgrounds across the country, culminating in a giant patriotic festival next summer on the National Mall, featuring exhibits from all 50 states,' he said. He also said that he would celebrate the 250th anniversaries of the Navy and the Marines, just as he recently did for the Army. He again touted a rise in military recruitment numbers and the performance of troops who had recently executed a strike on Iran's nuclear capabilities, promoting his decision to authorize strikes on Iran and defending its results. The career entertainer, who often attends NASCAR races and UFC bouts, has long had a love of fairs and the rollicking and unpredictable settings they can provide. In 1996, he opened the Trump World's Fair Casino at an event that included strolling performers, jugglers, stilt walkers and high school marching bands – along with a fireworks and laser light display choreographed to music. It featured artifacts from and murals of past U.S. World's Fairs and included a 3,000-pound stainless steel sphere similar to the 'Unisphere' from the World's Fair held in 1964-1965 in Flushing Meadows. The biggest mural, however, rose over an escalator and was of Trump himself, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. 'We've been looking forward to this day for a long time,' Trump said when it opened. 'Trump World's Fair is an exciting destination, uniquely designed around the World's Fair theme, that we know will be well-received.' About three years later, it closed. It was losing some $10 million per year. Falling glass panes had forced closures of businesses below. Eventually, it was demolished. Trump also installed a 'Unisphere' look-alike at the Trump International Hotel and Tower on Columbus Circle in Manhattan. City officials objected when he adorned the structure with 'Trump International' in big letters. 'Well, do you know originally they wanted to tear down the Eiffel Tower?' he said during a 2008 appearance with shock jock Howard Stern. 'Do you know the Eiffel Tower was built just during the World Fair?' One of Trump's most significant experiences with a fair came when he was an early presidential candidate in 2015. He arrived at one known for its deep-fried foods, presidential candidates speaking from bales of hay and a life-size cow carved from 600 pounds of butter. Trump made his appearance that year from a black helicopter emblazoned with bold letters spelling T-R-U-M-P, circling several times before landing. Hillary Clinton was strolling below him, posing for selfies. Trump emerged wearing his signature red cap along with white dress shoes and French cuffs. He offered rides in his helicopter to randomly selected handfuls of Iowa children. When Trump won a second term last year, Iowa's leaders responded, ready to execute his vision of a fair. 'We know the Iowa State Fair is the best fair in the country!' Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds wrote on X on Nov. 7, two days after the election. 'In Iowa, we dream big, and we stand ready to host the Great American State Fair!' Iowa state lawmakers in May approved legislation to allow state residents to set off fireworks around Independence Day and New Year's Eve, an effort to align it with the festive atmosphere Trump is seeking for next year's celebrations. During the debate, opponents questioned why the state was changing its laws to appease the president, while others pointed to firework displays dating to the nation's founding. 'Mr. President, we welcome that idea in Iowa, and we're ready, willing and able to host the party,' state Rep. Bill Gustoff said during debate on the measure. 'We need to enable Iowans to be part of that celebration.' At one point during his remarks, a bang occurred in the distance. 'Don't worry, it's only fireworks. I hope,' said Trump, who survived an assassination attempt a year ago this month. 'Famous last words. My famous last words. 'Trump said, 'Don't worry, it's only fireworks.' You always have to think positive.'
Miami Herald
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Donald Trump to Host UFC Fight on White House Grounds: What to Know
President Donald Trump has said he is thinking of hosting an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event at the White House to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence next year. Trump said the event would be a "full fight" with about 20,000 to 25,000 people in attendance. "So every one of our national parks, battlefields and historic sites are going to have special events in honor of America 250. And I even think we're going to have a UFC fight," the president said during a speech at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines on Thursday. Newsweek contacted the White House and UFC for comment by email outside regular working hours. Trump, an enthusiast for the sport, has attended multiple mixed martial arts matches in recent months and is a friend of Dana White, the UFC's president. The unprecedented White House event forms part of Trump's broader effort to celebrate the nation's 250th birthday, which is also expected to feature national ceremonies, military flyovers and special programs at national parks. Trump has also described plans for the "Great American State Fair," a nationwide series of events culminating on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Each state would have a pavilion to showcase its culture and contributions. Speaking in Iowa on Thursday, Trump said: "We're going to have a UFC fight, think of this, on the grounds of the White House. We have a lot of land there." "Dana is going to do it," he continued, adding, "We are going to have a UFC fight-championship fight, full fight, like 20-25,000 people-and we are going to do that as part of 250 also." White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed after the speech that Trump was "dead serious" about hosting the event. Trump has regularly attended UFC fights, most recently last month in Newark, New Jersey. He also attended a fight in Miami in April. Trump's friendship with White goes back to at least 2001, when he allowed the UFC to hold a fight at his Trump Taj Mahal hotel in Atlantic City. White also introduced Trump at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee last July. A UFC official told CNN: "We are in discussions with the White House about hosting a UFC event on site." President Donald Trump said during his Memorial Day address in May: "We're gonna have a big, big celebration, as you know, 250 years. … In some ways, I'm glad I missed that second term where it was because I wouldn't be your president for that." Monica Crowley, the chief of protocol of the U.S., said: "We've had so much division and so much polarization over the last many decades, but certainly over the last few years, that to be able to bring the country together to celebrate America's 250th birthday through patriotism, shared values and a renewed sense of civic pride, to be able to do that in the center of the country, is incredibly important." Officials have not yet confirmed a date for the proposed UFC fight or provided logistic details. Related Articles Donald Trump Calls Bankers 'Shylocks'Trump Shares Candid Assessment of Putin CallVideos Show Trump's Crowd Size at Iowa State Fair 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Axios
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Axios
America's nonstop birthday party
Starting with America's 250th birthday celebration, President Trump is planning a years-long mega-celebration that puts him at the center of the world's biggest events. Why it matters: Trump's vision for the semiquincentennial goes beyond purely American fare to showcase the country's military, economic and cultural power on a global stage. His expansive vision for a nonstop American celebration includes the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, The Atlantic recently reported. Trump is floating additional programming like a "Great American State Fair," "Patriot Games" and a "Freedom Plane" inspired by the Bicentennial-era " Freedom Train." In keeping with his love of spectacle, a New Year's Eve-style ball drop in Times Square has been discussed. Driving the news: Trump's speech at the Iowa State Fairgrounds Thursday night served as the formal kickoff to the celebrations and an opportunity to brag about congressional Republicans passing his "one big, beautiful bill." The president soft-launched 250 this year with a rare military parade to honor the Army in D.C., which coincided with nationwide "No Kings" and anti-ICE protests. More military branches' birthdays will be recognized this fall, with celebrations planned for the Marines and Navy. Trump said last night his 250th anniversary plans include a UFC fight on the grounds of the White House. Zoom in: Some of the planned activities for America 250 are more squarely around American pride, like a student-focused America's Field Trip. Trump wants his proposed sculpture park, dubbed the National Garden of American Heroes, to be ready by July 2026. The plans feature life-size statues of figures like Ronald Reagan, Whitney Houston and Jackie Robinson — "all approved by Trump," as the Wall Street Journal reported. "We're going to have a big, big celebration, as you know — 250 years," Trump said at Arlington Cemetery in late May. "In some ways, I'm glad I missed that second term because I wouldn't be your president for that. Can you imagine? I missed that four years. And now look what I have." Reality check: The turbocharged celebrations come as Americans report record-low levels of patriotic pride. State of play: Preparations for America's 250th birthday have been underway since roughly 2016 under former President Obama, though they've taken a more MAGA bent since January. There are two main organizers at the national level: the White House's Task Force 250, which Trump chairs and established via an executive order in his first week in office, and the congressional America250 Commission, which was established in 2016, meant to be nonpartisan and is backed by a nonprofit. Ex-Fox News producer Ariel Abergel, who interned in Trump's first White House and finished college in 2021, is now America250's executive director. Other Trump allies like fundraiser Meredith O'Rourke and Trump adviser Chris LaCivita serve roles in the foundation supporting the America250 commission's work. Outside of the federal planning effort, expect state-level programming across the country.
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Donald Trump to Host UFC Fight on White House Grounds: What to Know
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. President Donald Trump has said he is thinking of hosting an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event at the White House to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence next year. Trump said the event would be a "full fight" with about 20,000 to 25,000 people in attendance. "So every one of our national parks, battlefields and historic sites are going to have special events in honor of America 250. And I even think we're going to have a UFC fight," the president said during a speech at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines on Thursday. Newsweek contacted the White House and UFC for comment by email outside regular working hours. President Donald Trump at a rally at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines on July 3. President Donald Trump at a rally at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines on July 3. Alex Brandon/AP Why It Matters Trump, an enthusiast for the sport, has attended multiple mixed martial arts matches in recent months and is a friend of Dana White, the UFC's president. The unprecedented White House event forms part of Trump's broader effort to celebrate the nation's 250th birthday, which is also expected to feature national ceremonies, military flyovers and special programs at national parks. Trump has also described plans for the "Great American State Fair," a nationwide series of events culminating on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Each state would have a pavilion to showcase its culture and contributions. What To Know Speaking in Iowa on Thursday, Trump said: "We're going to have a UFC fight, think of this, on the grounds of the White House. We have a lot of land there." "Dana is going to do it," he continued, adding, "We are going to have a UFC fight—championship fight, full fight, like 20-25,000 people—and we are going to do that as part of 250 also." White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed after the speech that Trump was "dead serious" about hosting the event. Trump has regularly attended UFC fights, most recently last month in Newark, New Jersey. He also attended a fight in Miami in April. Trump's friendship with White goes back to at least 2001, when he allowed the UFC to hold a fight at his Trump Taj Mahal hotel in Atlantic City. White also introduced Trump at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee last July. What People Are Saying A UFC official told CNN: "We are in discussions with the White House about hosting a UFC event on site." President Donald Trump said during his Memorial Day address in May: "We're gonna have a big, big celebration, as you know, 250 years. … In some ways, I'm glad I missed that second term where it was because I wouldn't be your president for that." Monica Crowley, the chief of protocol of the U.S., said: "We've had so much division and so much polarization over the last many decades, but certainly over the last few years, that to be able to bring the country together to celebrate America's 250th birthday through patriotism, shared values and a renewed sense of civic pride, to be able to do that in the center of the country, is incredibly important." What Happens Next Officials have not yet confirmed a date for the proposed UFC fight or provided logistic details.
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Trump kicks off America's Independence Day celebration with Iowa rally, reveals plan of UFC fight at White House
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)
