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A watchdog group has filed a lawsuit seeking to stop a planned Ultimate Fighting Championship event at the White House, arguing that the proposed fight card would improperly use federal property for a private commercial event.
The lawsuit, filed Saturday by the Public Integrity Project on behalf of two plaintiffs, asks a federal judge to halt the UFC event scheduled for June 14 on the White House South Lawn.
President Donald Trump has promoted the event as part of celebrations marking the nation’s 250th anniversary. UFC CEO Dana White, a longtime Trump ally, has said the event was the president’s idea.
According to the lawsuit, a massive fighting arena known as “The Claw” has already been erected on the White House grounds in preparation for the event.
The suit alleges that the UFC card is a private, for-profit event that would provide financial benefits to the organization and its business partners, despite claims that the promotion is covering the costs and not selling tickets.
The plaintiffs argue that federal property, including the White House and the nearby Lincoln Memorial, is being used improperly for the event. The lawsuit also questions whether the temporary structures associated with the fight received proper authorization.
Named as defendants are the National Park Service, the United States Department of the Interior and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum.
The Trump administration dismissed the lawsuit Monday, calling it “obstructionist” and without merit. An administration official said the event is comparable to other large public gatherings and celebrations hosted on federal grounds.
The White House has heavily promoted the event in recent days, describing it as one of the largest sporting events ever held at the executive mansion.
The lawsuit also notes that Trump disclosed an investment in TKO Group Holdings, UFC’s parent company, in his most recent financial filings. Plaintiffs argue that raises additional concerns about potential financial benefits connected to the event.
The legal challenge is the latest in a series of lawsuits targeting high-profile Trump-backed projects. Other recent court battles have sought to block construction projects associated with the White House and other administration initiatives.
