WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge ruled on Friday that the White House can host a UFC show this weekend. The event, set to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary, will take place in a ring on the South Lawn during President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday celebrations.
U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta rejected a request from a legal advocacy group to prevent the event. The plaintiffs failed to demonstrate legal standing or potential irreparable harm by the event proceeding. Mehta noted the plaintiffs delayed their legal action against the event, undermining their claims of harm.
The judge stated, “In the context of an emergency application — and coupled with the fact that the UFC fight date was long ago known — it is fair to say Plaintiffs unreasonably delayed bringing suit, undercutting their claims of irreparable harm.”
The nonprofit Public Integrity Project had challenged the event on behalf of an activist and a Vietnam War veteran, asking the court to block any construction related to the event, including a large steel structure named The Claw. However, Mehta noted the temporary nature of any aesthetic harm, as disassembly of The Claw would begin on Monday.
The White House described the lawsuit as an unfounded effort to prevent Trump from hosting the event, similar to others held in public spaces in Washington, D.C. While Trump’s administration cannot issue permits for sporting events on the South Lawn or at the Lincoln Memorial, plaintiffs pointed out that UFC fighters were planning a press conference at the Lincoln Memorial.
Plaintiffs argued the event represents a business opportunity unlawfully given to the UFC, which is a for-profit venture offering expensive VIP packages. Brendan Ballou, attorney for the Public Integrity Project, expressed disappointment but respect for the judge’s decision, pledging continued efforts to combat corruption.
Ballou stated, “This isn’t a case about a sporting event, it’s about corruption, as a handful of people and companies stand to profit from our public monuments.”
The lawsuit names the National Park Service and the Interior Department as defendants. Trump, a Republican, previously attended a UFC show, becoming the first sitting president to do so. He shares a friendship with UFC president and CEO Dana White.
Judge Mehta, nominated by former President Barack Obama, has overseen other cases linked to Trump, including civil litigation related to the Capitol attack on January 6, 2021.
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