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Trump Suggests UFC Arena on White House South Lawn Could Become Permanent Landmark Like Eiffel Tower

President Donald Trump compared the temporary structure to the Eiffel Tower and said it might remain in place. The UFC Freedom 250 event is set for his 80th birthday and Flag Day.

Washington Examiner
1 source·Jun 3, 5:43 PM·1m read
Trump Suggests UFC Arena on White House South Lawn Could Become Permanent Landmark Like Eiffel TowerWashington Examiner
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President Donald Trump said in a TikTok video released late Tuesday that the UFC arena under construction on the White House South Lawn could become a permanent fixture. He compared the claw-shaped stage to the Eiffel Tower, noting that the Paris landmark was built in 1889 for the World’s Fair and was meant to be removed afterward but stayed because people liked it.

“Well, they never took it down, and you know we’re building something in front of the White House that’s quite attractive to a lot of people,” Trump said.

Construction of the arena began on Memorial Day. The UFC Freedom 250 event will host 5,000 attendees in seats reserved for military members and guests invited by the UFC and the White House. Tickets will not be sold, though up to 100,000 people can watch on large screens at the nearby Ellipse.

June 14 marks both Trump’s 80th birthday and Flag Day. The UFC is funding the event at an estimated cost of $60 million. Trump coordinated the fight with UFC President and CEO Dana White. “I love this country like anybody on the left loves this country.

This is me spending a ­s*­load of money to celebrate the 250th birthday of America, with America and the rest of the world,” White told Time magazine. White also voiced concerns about outdoor fighting in summer conditions.

“There’s two things I hate,” he said on the NPR Newsmakers podcast. “I hate stadiums, and I hate even worse than a stadium is fighting outside.

The coalition said the event would distract Trump during the first UFC fight held at the White House.

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Reported by a single outlet. This score reflects source tier and factual specificity — corroboration is limited with one source.

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