US President Donald Trump is organising a UFC fight on the South Lawn of the White House to mark his 80th birthday. The event, costing around $160 million, is expected to attract around 4,000 spectators, including the president’s supporters. The event comes amid a decline in support for Trump due to the war in Iran and economic challenges.
- Trump is organising a UFC fight on the South Lawn of the White House.
- The event is costing around 1.4 to 1.6 billion and is being held to mark the president’s 80th birthday.
- Around 4,000 guests are expected, including influential supporters.
- The event is taking place against a backdrop of criticism over the war in Iran and economic problems.
The idea of a UFC fight at the White House
The idea of organising UFC fight on the South Lawn of the White House, a Donald Trump following his victory in the 2024 election. The plan began to take shape after his triumphant visit to Madison Square Garden, where he attended a UFC event. According to one official, it was then that Trump decided to hold the event at the presidential residence, reports CNN.
Cost and scale of the event
Organising the fight cost approximately $146 million. The event will take place in an 87-foot octagon situated on the South Lawn, which has been nicknamed “The Claw”. Around 4,000 guests are expected, including influential Trump supporters, members of his administration and First Lady Melania Trump. The UFC controls the majority of the tickets, with the remainder being distributed personally by the president.
The political context and domestic challenges
The event is taking place against the backdrop of Trump's decline in popularity due to the war in Iran and the country’s economic problems. Polls show that the majority of Americans do not support holding such an event at this time. Critics believe that a UFC fight could come to symbolise excess and the president’s detachment from the country’s real problems.
The role of supporters and influential figures
The event sparked considerable interest among Trump supporters. Well-known conservative podcasters, including Joe Rogan, who will be commentating on the fight, as well as influencers such as Nelk Boys і Patrick Beth-David, ... will be taking part in the event. At the same time, some of them have expressed doubts as to whether it is wise to hold the event at this particular time.
Trump’s personal approach to the project
Trump personally oversees every stage of the fight preparations. In addition to the UFC, he is involved in major refurbishments and projects on the White House grounds, including the construction of ballroom and Triumphal Arch. His involvement in these projects is causing concern among some Republicans, who fear it may influence the outcome of future elections.
Analysis and expert views
One of the founders of the UFC Art Devi, who supported Trump in the previous election, acknowledges the significance of the event for establishing the UFC as a sport. At the same time, he criticises the president’s foreign policy, particularly the war in Iran and potential military action in other regions. According to him, Trump is now more focused on his legacy than on real challenges.
Significance for politics and society
The event could be an attempt by Trump to regain support among young men, who formed the backbone of his electoral coalition but have begun to drift away due to domestic and foreign policy issues. However, a broad section of the American public is sceptical about the fight, which may indicate a deepening of political and social divisions in the country.
