Public Integrity Project Sues to Block June 14 White House UFC Event, Seeking Emergency Injunction
Updated
Updated · ESPN · Jun 7
Public Integrity Project Sues to Block June 14 White House UFC Event, Seeking Emergency Injunction
3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Jun 7
Summary
A federal lawsuit filed late Saturday in Washington seeks to stop the June 14 UFC Freedom 250 card on the White House South Lawn, with an emergency injunction request expected to be weighed this week.
The Public Integrity Project alleges Interior and the National Park Service unlawfully organized a private sporting event on federal parkland, lacked congressional approval for the planned "claw" structure, and skipped required environmental review.
The suit also argues the event does not qualify for America 250 special-event exemptions because UFC, not the federal government or an official semiquincentennial body, is planning and financing it.
Trump administration officials called the case baseless and obstructionist, while the plaintiffs pointed to reported $1.5 million sponsorship packages, a Paramount+ streaming arrangement and possible on-site advertising as evidence of private gain.
The fight card is scheduled to coincide with Donald Trump's 80th birthday; UFC CEO Dana White has said the promotion would spend up to $60 million, including an estimated $700,000 to $1 million for lawn repairs.