Lawsuit Seeks to Block UFC Event on White House South Lawn Set for Trump's 80th Birthday and Nation's 250th Anniversary

A federal lawsuit filed Saturday by the Public Integrity Project seeks to halt a UFC mixed-martial-arts card scheduled for the White House South Lawn on June 14. The complaint names the National Park Service, the Interior Department, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum as defendants.

It argues that the White House grounds and the Lincoln Memorial, where ceremonial weigh-ins are planned, are federal parklands administered by the National Park Service and that sports events are prohibited under existing regulations.

The suit further asserts that the event required congressional approval and an environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act. It also references a $700,000 repair bill already issued to the UFC for damage to the South Lawn caused by a large lighting structure.

The complaint states the gathering is a private matter intended to generate revenue for the UFC and its sponsors through VIP packages and sponsorship deals.

According to the complaint, President Trump reported an investment in TKO Group Holdings, the UFC’s parent company, valued between $15,000 and $50,000. The suit represents Susan Douglas, an activist, and Paul Romano, a Vietnam War veteran, both Virginia residents.

A separate legal challenge concerning construction of a new ballroom on White House grounds is also pending against the Trump administration.

UFC CEO Dana White stated the card is not a birthday celebration and that the idea originated with Trump. Earlier statements said no tickets would be sold. The White House said in a statement that the legal challenge was an obstructionist, baseless, and dilatory attempt to prevent Trump from hosting the fight.

The White House stated the event was no different than various other White House-hosted events on the South Lawn and properly permitted events on the Ellipse and National Mall throughout the year. Crews are erecting an octagon-shaped cage on the South Lawn. Trump has said the finished UFC project will feature a 5,000-seat arena right outside the front door of the White House.