Trump Administration Fights Bid to Block 4,000-Person White House UFC Event as Costs Top $60 Million
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jun 10
Trump Administration Fights Bid to Block 4,000-Person White House UFC Event as Costs Top $60 Million
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jun 10
Summary
DOJ lawyers urged Judge Amit P. Mehta to reject an emergency injunction against the White House UFC fight, arguing two Virginia plaintiffs are trying to stop a South Lawn event just days before it begins.
More than $60 million has already been spent, attendees have made travel plans, fighters have begun final weight cuts, and construction of the roughly 90-foot "Claw" has been underway for weeks.
The lawsuit, filed by the Public Integrity Project, says organizers skipped permitting and environmental reviews, created conflicts of interest, and needed congressional approval for the structure.
Administration officials countered that the event was announced in July 2025, has been planned for months, and is comparable to other permitted gatherings tied to the U.S. 250th anniversary celebration.
Plaintiffs must file their final brief by 9 p.m. Wednesday, setting up a last-minute court decision on whether the 4,000-spectator event can proceed.