Key facts
- Dozens of protesters demonstrated outside the White House on Sunday against a UFC event.
- The event was held on the South Lawn of the White House on Donald Trump's birthday.
- Protesters cited concerns over corruption, commercialization of federal lands, and the glorification of violence.
- A lawsuit to block the event was rejected by a federal judge.
- The event featured seven mixed martial arts fights and was marketed as a celebration of the nation's "fighting spirit."
Dozens of protesters gathered across from the White House on Sunday to voice their opposition to a UFC event held on the South Lawn, coinciding with Donald Trump's 80th birthday. The event, featuring seven mixed martial arts fights, was marketed as a celebration of the nation's "fighting spirit" ahead of its 250th anniversary.
Protesters, organized by groups like Third Act Virginia and Code Pink, held signs and erected a symbolic cage, criticizing the event for what they described as corruption, the commercialization of federal park lands, and the glorification of violence. Susan Douglas, an organizer with Third Act Virginia and a plaintiff in a lawsuit that sought to block the event, called the situation "appalling" and stated, "This reeks of corruption – way too much corruption."
Concerns were raised about Donald Trump's significant stock holdings in TKO, the UFC's parent company, and the appropriateness of hosting a violent sporting event on federal property, especially given ongoing military conflicts abroad. Protesters also contrasted the event with their own organized community meal and programming, highlighting issues of military spending and hunger.
Law enforcement, including the National Guard, Metropolitan police, Park police, and Secret Service, maintained a heavy presence around the event area. A concert featuring various artists was also scheduled to stream live from the location.