Trump administration urges judge to reject bid to block White House UFC event

The Trump administration has asked a federal judge to reject a lawsuit seeking to block an upcoming Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event scheduled to take place on the South Lawn of the White House.

The Justice Department argued in court filings that the June 14 event is too close to its scheduled date to be halted, stating it has been in the making since President Trump announced it last summer. The administration highlighted that over $60 million has already been spent, thousands of spectators are expected, and more than a dozen fighters are in training.

DOJ attorneys contended that the plaintiffs, described as a political activist and a retired Air Force sergeant, should not be able to "spoil the event for everyone else." The lawsuit alleges that the National Park Service and the Department of the Interior unlawfully approved the event, claiming that environmental review and congressional approval requirements were not met.

However, the administration argues that a traditional permit is not necessary because the event is part of the celebrations for America's 250th anniversary. They also assert that the plaintiffs are unlikely to succeed in their claims in court.

The event is set to feature six prime-time bouts in a 92-foot-tall, temporary Octagon erected on the White House lawn, with weigh-ins scheduled at the Lincoln Memorial. President Trump has expressed significant interest in the event, calling it one of the most anticipated he has been involved with.