Key facts
- A federal judge refused to block a UFC event scheduled for the White House South Lawn.
- The ruling was based on plaintiffs lacking legal standing.
- The event is set for Sunday, coinciding with President Trump's 80th birthday and the U.S. 250th anniversary.
- Plaintiffs argued the event was corrupt and lacked proper permitting.
- The administration stated the event followed all requirements and exceptions apply.
A federal judge has refused to block President Donald Trump from hosting a Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) mixed martial arts event on the White House South Lawn. U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta ruled Friday that two Virginia residents who sued to stop the event lacked the legal standing to challenge it, stating they had not shown they would be directly harmed.
The event, dubbed 'UFC Freedom 250,' is scheduled for Sunday and coincides with President Trump's 80th birthday and the 250th anniversary of the United States. Plaintiffs had argued the event was "deeply corrupt" and did not follow necessary environmental and National Park Service (NPS) permitting requirements. They also contended the administration exceeded its authority and lacked congressional authorization for the for-profit endeavor.
The Justice Department, representing the administration, argued that the plaintiffs were too late in their filing and lacked standing. The administration also stated that the event followed all requirements and falls under special permitting exceptions for national anniversary celebrations. The ruling removes a potential last-minute obstacle for the event, which will feature a temporary octagon erected on the South Lawn, with weigh-ins at the Lincoln Memorial.