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Fahrenheit 250

The nation is feeling queasy about celebrating its birthday in the Trump era—but the national political narrative feels distinct from how regular Americans actually view their country, at least according to some fascinating focus groups.

Donald Trump
Donald Trump in Des Moines, Iowa, July 2025. Photo: Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP/Getty Images
Peter Hamby
June 9, 2026

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The opening stanza of America’s 250th birthday—Donald Trump’s idea of it, at least—is set for this weekend on the South Lawn of the White House. Yes, UFC Freedom 250 is nigh, a “once-in-a-generation celebration of the American fighting spirit,” as the White House describes it. Construction on the 600-ton, steel-framed octagon arena is nearing completion, and the structure will seat thousands of military members descending on Washington to watch the MMA fights—along with whichever V.I.P.s are invited by Trump, UFC president Dana White, and TKO executive chairman Ari Emanuel, of course.