A federal lawsuit has been filed to stop an upcoming UFC fight scheduled for the South Lawn of the White House. This mixed martial arts event coincides with President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday and celebrates the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Details of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit was filed on Saturday by the Public Integrity Project on behalf of two Virginia residents. It argues that the Trump administration’s approval for the June 14 event was unlawful. Key claims include:
- The event violates National Park Service regulations.
- Congress did not consent to the construction of a towering arch planned for the event.
- An environmental review was not conducted prior to construction.
Brendan Ballou, an attorney representing the plaintiffs, stated, “This is fundamentally a private, commercial, corrupt use of our most sacred national monuments for private gain.” This assertion is central to the lawsuit’s motivation.
Response from the White House
The White House has characterized the legal challenge as “an obstructionist, baseless, and dilatory” effort to hinder the hosting of the UFC event. Officials argue that this event is akin to other permitted gatherings held on the South Lawn and appropriate celebrations on the National Mall.
Event Preparations
Construction crews are busy setting up an octagon-shaped cage on the South Lawn. According to President Trump, the UFC event will feature a 5,000-seat arena. Additionally, large screens will broadcast the fights at the nearby Ellipse.
Ticket Information
The UFC plans to distribute up to 85,000 free tickets to accommodate spectators at both the White House and Ellipse locations. This ambitious project is part of the ongoing construction activities at the White House under Trump’s administration.
