WASHINGTON, D.C. — June 13, 2026 — In a spectacle blending extreme sports, military tradition, and patriotic flair, Nitro Circus riders led by Travis Pastrana performed daring dirt bike jumps and backflips over the South Lawn of the White House on Saturday. The event, dubbed the “Freedom Jump 250,” celebrated America’s upcoming 250th anniversary and kicked off a high-energy weekend tied to UFC Freedom 250 festivities.
The White House official account captured the moment with the caption “AMERICA AF. 🦅🇺🇸,” sharing striking images of riders soaring through the air against a backdrop of a massive stage, American flags, military vehicles, and U.S. Marines standing at attention in dress uniforms.
Pastrana, the Nitro Circus founder and action sports legend, first pitched the idea of backflipping a dirt bike on the South Lawn to UFC CEO Dana White at a Power Slap event. White, a close associate of President Donald Trump, helped make it happen. The stunt featured an all-star lineup including Jeremy McGrath, Ricky Carmichael, Brian Deegan, Keith Sayers, and Jeremy “Twitch” Stenberg.
Riders launched off custom ramps, executing flips and tricks high above the lawn, with pyrotechnics and a large stage branded by sponsors Black Rifle Coffee Company and RAM Trucks adding to the atmosphere. The jumps were broadcast to fans at the free UFC Fan Fest on the nearby Ellipse.
The event precedes Sunday’s historic UFC Freedom 250 fights on the South Lawn, part of broader celebrations for Trump’s 80th birthday and America 250. Organizers described it as a once-in-a-lifetime fusion of action sports and national pride on one of the world’s most iconic stages.
Reactions poured in across social media, with supporters hailing the display as peak American entertainment and critics calling it undignified for the People’s House. Regardless, the images of Marines in formation beneath soaring motorcycles quickly went viral as a defining visual of the weekend’s festivities.
Nitro Circus continues its 2026 tour with upcoming stops across the country. For more on the full lineup and events, visit nitrocircus.com.
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