Trump Turns $60 Million UFC Birthday Event Into Conscription Pitch as 91F Heat, Storms Threaten
Updated
Updated · The Daily Beast · Jun 13
Trump Turns $60 Million UFC Birthday Event Into Conscription Pitch as 91F Heat, Storms Threaten
1 articles · Updated · The Daily Beast · Jun 13
Summary
$60 million UFC Freedom 250 will debut a “Peace Through Strength” TV ad on Sunday, with Trump casting the White House fight card as a recruiting push for the renamed Department of War.
91-degree heat, possible late-afternoon thunderstorms and an “extreme” insect risk now threaten the outdoor South Lawn event, forcing organizers to prepare coverings, fans and other contingency measures.
Dana White, who generally avoids outdoor cards, said gnats at a recent White House dinner alarmed him; festivities still begin Friday at the Lincoln Memorial, followed by Saturday weigh-ins at the Ellipse.
A judge on Friday rejected a bid to block the event on federal property, though critics still argue the spectacle improperly mixes public sites, private profit and Trump-linked business interests.