UFC White House event challenged by lawsuit
The UFC White House event scheduled to take place on 14 June is challenged by a federal lawsuit alleging it is unlawful.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"We think that this is a profound misuse of our sacred national monuments for private gain."
— Brendan Ballou , Activist
"This is a profoundly corrupt scheme to enrich the president and his friends."
— Brendan Ballou , Activist
"This is an obstructionist, baseless and dilatory lawsuit brought simply to prevent President Trump from hosting what will undoubtedly go down as one of the most historic sporting events in our nation's history during our semiquincentennial celebration."
— Donald Trump , Politician
"This is fundamentally a private, commercial, corrupt use of our most sacred national monuments for private gain."
— Brendan Ballou , Activist
"as the corruption of this deal became increasingly apparent, that’s when we got involved."
— Brendan Ballou , Activist
"MAYBE WE’LL NEVER EVER TAKE IT DOWN."
— Donald Trump , Politician
"kind of a gimmick and odd."
— Joe Rogan , Influencer
"I had only 'jokingly' mused about keeping it forever."
— Donald Trump , Politician
"This occasion is a gimmick."
— Joe Rogan , Influencer
"I RSVP’d, Because I thought, f--- it, I’m going to the White House and I’m gonna go in there."
— Jon Favreau , Influencer
"F---, I was so close. They got me."
— Jon Favreau , Influencer
Key People
Professional MMA fighter competing in heavyweight division.
Former MSNBC host and political commentator.
Lead attorney for the Public Integrity Project.
Professional MMA fighter competing in heavyweight division.
Dana White is the president of the UFC and chief of Zuffa Boxing.
Former president of the United States known for his aggressive economic policies.
Current lightweight champion in UFC.
Joe Rogan is a popular podcast host known for discussing a wide range of topics, including politics.
Former speechwriter for Barack Obama and co-host of Pod Save America.
Interim lightweight champion in UFC.
Virginia military veteran who filed a lawsuit challenging the UFC event.
Former U.S. senator from Wisconsin.
Virginian political organizer involved in the lawsuit.
An American attorney and political activist.
Tags
All Coverage
The UFC White House event scheduled to take place on 14 June is challenged by a federal lawsuit alleging it is unlawful.
A federal lawsuit filed by the Public Integrity Project, representing two Virginia residents, seeks to stop a UFC event scheduled on the White House South Lawn for former President Donald Trump's 80th birthday, alleging violations of National Park Service rules and lack of environmental reviews.
A military veteran and a political organizer have filed a lawsuit against the National Park Service and the Department of Interior over a UFC event tied to former President Donald Trump's 80th birthday, alleging the event is a for-profit venture benefiting Trump and UFC, violating federal laws restricting private use of public lands.
President Donald Trump has completed the installation of a makeshift UFC arena on the White House South Lawn as part of grand celebrations for both America’s 250th birthday and his 80th birthday on June 14, drawing criticism for its extravagance amid national struggles.
A recent YouGov poll reveals widespread disapproval among Americans regarding President Donald Trump's decision to host a UFC event at the White House to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary, with only 17% supporting the event and 51% disapproving.
Former Obama speechwriter and 'Pod Save America' co-host Jon Favreau revealed on his podcast that he was mistakenly invited to the White House’s UFC Freedom 250 event, organized by Donald Trump, highlighting the extravagance of the event amid national struggles.
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