Key facts
- The Trump administration is urging a judge to dismiss a lawsuit seeking to block a UFC event on the White House South Lawn.
- The administration argues that halting the event is too late, citing over $60 million spent and thousands of expected attendees.
- The event, UFC Freedom 250, is part of the 250th anniversary of America's founding.
- The lawsuit claims the event violates National Park Service regulations prohibiting sporting events on federal parklands.
- Over seven federal agencies and hundreds of staff have been involved in staging the event, with costs exceeding $60 million.
The Trump administration is urging a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit seeking to block a UFC event scheduled for the White House's South Lawn. The administration argues that halting the event is now too late, citing over $60 million in expenditures and thousands of expected attendees.
The event, dubbed UFC Freedom 250, is part of the 250th anniversary of America's founding and is scheduled for Sunday. The main attraction will feature seven mixed martial arts matches.
A federal lawsuit filed by two Virginia residents, represented by the Public Integrity Project, claims the event violates National Park Service regulations that prohibit sporting events on federal parklands. One attorney characterized the authorization as a “corrupt use of our most sacred national monuments for private gain.”
In its court filing, the National Park Service detailed the extensive preparations, stating that over $60 million and tens of thousands of labor hours have been expended, funded by the UFC and affiliated groups. The installation of the octagon and arena began on May 20, involving the Secret Service, hundreds of staff, and significant resources from seven federal agencies, including Homeland Security and the FAA.
The arena is expected to accommodate 4,000 spectators, with an additional 120,000 visitors anticipated to watch from the nearby Ellipse. The weekend's schedule includes a ceremonial weigh-in, a concert by the Zac Brown Band, and the fight card on Sunday night. Disassembly of the installations is slated to begin the following day and conclude by June 23.