Key facts
- President Trump hosted a UFC event on the White House South Lawn for his 80th birthday.
- Some fighters received bonuses in USD1 stablecoins issued by World Liberty Financial, a Trump family crypto venture.
- World Liberty Financial confirmed up to $250,000 in bonuses would be paid in its stablecoin.
- The event was sponsored by World Liberty Financial, Polymarket, and Crypto.com.
- President Trump has a financial stake in UFC's parent company, TKO Group Holdings.
- Critics allege the event represents self-dealing and the commercialization of public property.
President Donald Trump hosted a UFC event on the White House South Lawn for his 80th birthday, an event that has drawn significant criticism for its perceived commercialization of public property and potential conflicts of interest. Some fighters received bonuses in USD1 stablecoins issued by World Liberty Financial, a crypto venture created by the Trump family and a sponsor of the event. The UFC stated that up to $250,000 in bonuses would be paid using the stablecoin. The event, criticized for its reported $60 million price tag, was also sponsored by prediction markets company Polymarket and cryptocurrency exchange Crypto.com. Trump's financial disclosures list his holdings in World Liberty as worth more than $50 million. Critics, such as the Democratic National Committee, have decried the event as an opportunity for Trump and his family to profit from the presidency. A White House spokesperson stated there are no conflicts of interest, as Trump's assets are managed by his children. Separately, Tron founder Justin Sun filed a lawsuit against World Liberty Financial.