Trump administration urges judge to reject bid to block White House UFC event
Federal filings say more than $60 million has gone into the event, with seven agencies and hundreds of workers involved in preparations.
- On Tuesday, the Justice Department urged a federal judge to reject a lawsuit seeking to halt UFC Freedom 250, arguing the plaintiffs filed too late and lack standing to block the weekend event.
- The Public Integrity Project, representing two Virginia residents, alleges the event is a "corrupt scheme" violating National Park Service regulations; plaintiffs contend the administration improperly bypassed permitting requirements using an America's 250th anniversary exemption.
- Court filings reveal preparations have cost more than $60 million and required 700 to 900 subcontractors daily, with a 600-ton "Claw" structure dominating the South Lawn and over 120,000 spectators expected at the Ellipse.
- Highlighting historical precedents like the White House Easter Egg Roll, administration lawyers maintain the event is a legitimate public celebration, warning that any delay would "upend months of planning" and jeopardize key participants.
- Scheduled for Sunday, June 14, the event coincides with President Donald Trump's 80th birthday, with disassembly of temporary infrastructure set to begin early Monday and conclude by June 23.
101 Articles
101 Articles
A sneak peak of UFC's Octagon at the White House
President Donald Trump's planned UFC fight on the White House's South Lawn has required a monumental effort from more than seven federal agencies, hundreds of staff working onsite daily and at least $60 million, according to a legal filing that offers a glimpse into the preparations.
At least $60M spent on White House UFC event
Federal agencies and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) are spending at least $60 million to pull off the White House cage fight set to take place on Sunday, which happens to be President Trump’s birthday. The funds have gone toward building an octagon fighting arena on the White House South Lawn, purchasing and delivering food [...]
Court documents expose eye-watering price tag of Trump’s White House cage fight
President Donald Trump will hold a UFC fight card on the White House grounds to ring in his birthday this weekend, and as The Hill reported this week, newly released court documents have exposed the eye-watering price tag that the event has cost, so far.Thanks in large part to Trump's friendship with UFC CEO and longtime political supporter Dana White, the UFC Freedom 250 show is set to take place at the White House on Sunday, June 14. The event…
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