The Emperor Has No Ludus Magnus
The most notable thing about President Trump’s South Lawn fight is its curious lack of ambition.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
IdeasThe Emperor Has No Ludus MagnusThe most notable thing about President Trump’s South Lawn fight is its curious lack of ambition.By Cullen MurphyIllustration by The Atlantic. Sources: Nastasic / Getty; Saul Loeb / AFP / Getty.June 13, 2026, 6 AM ET ShareSave The arena has been built. Its skeletal steel dome, erected on the spot where an Easter egg roll was held in the days of the republic, rises as high as the topmost arcade of the Colosseum, towering over the White House. UFC Freedom 250, to be streamed by Paramount, will feature seven bouts fought inside an octagonal wire-mesh cage. Many people have noted the similarities to ancient gladiatorial contests.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Atlantic.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from The Atlantic
