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What's With The Memes About Trump Announcing 'The Hunger Games?' The 2026 'Patriot Games' Explained
The President of the United States has got dystopia on everyone's minds after announcing the first "Patriot Games," which some people think sounds suspiciously familiar.
Since making the announcement, social media can't stop comparing the upcoming sporting event to The Hunger Games, resulting in a flood of memes and reactions online.
So, what exactly are the Patriot Games? How similar are they to the Hunger Games, and why is this such a big deal? Here's what you need to know.
What Are The 'Patriot Games'?
The Patriot Games were announced by U.S. President Donald Trump on December 18th, 2025. Advertised as a celebration of America's 250th birthday, the event will pit two high school-aged competitors from each state, one male and one female, against each other in an as-yet unclear game or series of games.
The games are set to take place in the fall of 2026 and are meant not only as a celebration of America but as a way to help bring patriotism back to the United States, according to the President.
How Is 'The Patriot Games' Used In Memes?
Shortly after the Patriot Games were announced, social media users began comparing the upcoming event to the Hunger Games, noting a few similarities between the two events.
For those who don't know, the Hunger Games is a battle royale event from the dystopian series of the same name, where two representatives of each of the world's "districts," a young male and female, are pitted against each other in a battle to the death. The winner earns wealth and fame.
While the Patriot Games won't involve any fights to the death or actual combat, the idea is similar enough that it's all a lot of people online can think about.
Now, sites like X / Twitter, Reddit, TikTok and more are filling up with reactions and memes comparing the two events.
What Are Some More 'Patriot Games' Memes?
For the full history of the Patriot Games, be sure to check out Know Your Meme's encyclopedia entry for more information.