Justice Department Seeks to Save 120,000-Person White House UFC Event Before Trump’s 80th Birthday
Updated
Updated · The Daily Beast · Jun 10
Justice Department Seeks to Save 120,000-Person White House UFC Event Before Trump’s 80th Birthday
3 articles · Updated · The Daily Beast · Jun 10
Summary
$60 million has already been spent on Sunday’s “UFC Freedom 250,” the Justice Department told a federal judge as it moved to dismiss a lawsuit that could halt the White House event days before Trump turns 80.
Two Virginia residents argue the National Park Service unlawfully approved a private, for-profit spectacle on federal grounds and that the event should not qualify for America 250 exemptions from environmental and permitting rules.
DOJ said the challenge came too late, called the South Lawn arena structure temporary, and argued the White House does not need Park Service approval to host events on its own grounds.
The fight card is still scheduled to proceed, with an octagon, stadium lighting and bleachers for about 5,000 invited guests, even as the broader birthday bash has drawn fresh controversy.