Federal Judge Dismisses Attempt to Block UFC Event at White House
Judge rejects bid to stop UFC fight – A federal judge has denied a request from two Virginia residents to halt President Donald Trump’s UFC event at the White House this weekend. The decision, issued Friday afternoon by US District Judge Amit P. Mehta, came after a lawsuit filed last weekend by the plaintiffs, who claimed the privately organized fight could not legally occur on the South Lawn or the Lincoln Memorial. These locations, they argued, are reserved for official events, yet the UFC’s event is being held as part of a broader celebration. Mehta concluded that the plaintiffs lacked the legal standing to challenge the event, though he acknowledged the administration’s claim that a halt would cause significant disruption.
Plaintiffs’ Claims
The plaintiffs, a political activist and a Vietnam War veteran, contended that the event was not honoring the 250th anniversary of American Independence but was instead a birthday celebration for Trump. They argued that the federal government should have followed standard permitting procedures, such as conducting an environmental assessment, since the event is privately funded and not officially sanctioned. “The event is neither ‘for the celebration of the 250th anniversary of American Independence’ nor, crucially, being ‘planned, organized, and executed’ by the federal government,” their lawyers stated in court papers.
“The potential loss of those dollars resulting from a last-minute, court-ordered stoppage cannot be ignored.”
They also highlighted that Trump has invested in UFC’s parent company, suggesting the event would benefit his personal interests. The plaintiffs sought a temporary injunction to pause the event while legal proceedings continued, but Mehta ruled against them, citing the financial stakes for the UFC and its affiliated organizations.
Administration’s Defense
In court filings, Justice Department lawyers defended the event, asserting that Congress does not require approval for temporary structures on White House grounds. “Temporary structures are ubiquitous on the White House grounds, erected for nearly every special event, yet nobody has ever before suggested that Congress somehow needs to pass legislation for every concert tent or Easter egg roll kiosk,” the DOJ argued. The administration noted that the UFC covers production, labor, and promotion costs, while the federal government provides emergency services and infrastructure, including food for thousands of attendees.
White House management stated that workers will begin dismantling the temporary structure, referred to as the “claw,” starting Monday. The total cost of the event has exceeded $60 million, according to documents provided by the Trump administration. While the exact taxpayer expense remains unclear, the judge agreed that the administration’s position was compelling enough to justify proceeding with the fight. The case now moves forward without immediate intervention.
