Lawsuit aims to block President Donald Trump from hosting Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) match at White House. Filed by two Virginia residents,it's first known legal challenge to the mixed martial arts event set for June 14,coinciding with Trump’s 80th birthday .
The event also marks 250 years since Declaration of Independence was signed, with celebrations on July 4 . Lawsuit argues Trump didn't get necessary approvals for the fight,claiming it breaks U.S. National Park Service rules against sporting events on federal parkland .
Beyond lacking authorization,plaintiffs say Congress never approved building a large arch over event space and that no environmental review happened before its construction. Brendan Ballou,attorney for plaintiffs,called it “a private,commercial,corrupt use of our most sacred national monuments for private gain.”
White House calls lawsuit “obstructionist,baseless,and dilatory,” insisting UFC event is like others on South Lawn and properly allowed on Ellipse and National Mall. Crews already building octagon-shaped cage on South Lawn,with Trump planning a “5,000-seat arena right outside front door of the White House.”
Fight attendance by invitation only,with security tight. Military Times reports 1,200 service members with tickets must meet specific waist-to-height ratio standards. Public viewing areas planned for nearby Ellipse.
Trump’s link to pro wrestling and UFC is well-known . His casinos and venues hosted many wrestling events,and he appeared as himself in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) shows in 1990s and early 2000s. His Education Secretary,Linda McMahon,co-founded WWE, cementing ties further.
Lately,Trump's embraced UFC,owned by TKO Group Holdings,same parent company as WWE. UFC President Dana White is Trump ally,and analysts say Trump’s UFC ties help him connect with disaffected male voters,especially as he eyes 2024 election...
