From UFC bout to time capsule: Trump's vision for America's 250th birthday

What are Trump’s July 4 plans this year? (Image: AFP)

US President Donald Trump kicked off the Fourth of July celebrations at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, marking both the passage of his sweeping tax-cut and border security bill and the start of America’s 250th independence anniversary festivities.

He unveiled an ambitious plan to commemorate the milestone, announcing that celebrations would begin this Independence Day and continue through 2026, with a series of “extraordinary” national events.

Trump turned the heartland festival into a personal victory lap, soaking in the cheers of supporters just hours after Congress passed the legislation he had championed.

Let's take a closer look at how Trump is planning to celebrate America's 250th birthday

As of now, no public appearance is scheduled for President Donald Trump on July 4. Although he kicked off the celebrations with a “Salute to America” rally in Iowa, launching his planned 250th anniversary events, no further engagements have been announced.

If that remains unchanged, it would be the first time Trump has not participated in a public Independence Day event.

According to the America250 website, the United States will mark its 250th anniversary with a series of nationwide events and initiatives designed to celebrate innovation, history, and national pride. Here's a streamlined look at what's planned:

• America Innovates – A travelling technology exposition showcasing U.S. innovations.
• America Waves – Nationwide flag-waving events to bring communities together.
• Time Capsule – A 50-state initiative to gather artifacts for burial in Philadelphia on July 4, 2026.
• America’s Field Trip – A student writing and art contest for grades 3–12 on the theme “What does America mean to you?”, available in the 2025–26 school year.
• Our American Story – An oral and visual history project collecting everyday narratives, funded by Walmart.
• The Great American State Fair – A one-year exhibition featuring pavilions from all 50 states, described by Trump as a unique showcase.
• National Garden of American Heroes – Reinstated by Trump via executive order.
• The Great American Road Trip – Announced by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, this initiative highlights iconic travel routes, landmarks, and scenic destinations across all 50 states.
• The Patriot Games – A national sports competition for high school athletes.

Trump's UFC fight plan 

President Donald Trump on Thursday floated the idea of hosting a UFC match at the White House with up to 20,000 spectators as part of the 250th Independence Day celebrations.

“We have a lot of land there,” said Trump, a longtime UFC fan and close friend of league president Dana White. The announcement came during Trump’s appearance in Iowa, where he launched a yearlong series of events leading up to America’s 250th birthday on July 4, 2026.

Where to watch?

The Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks special airs Friday, July 4, 2025, from 8–10 p.m. ET on NBC (live on local channels and Peacock), with an encore broadcast at 10 p.m. National TV coverage of Fourth of July celebrations, including fireworks in New York, Boston, and Washington, D.C., will also be available on CNN, NBC, and PBS.