Trump Faces Backlash Over Plans to Host UFC Fight on White House South Lawn

U.S. President Trump will host an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event at the White House to celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary. This event has sparked strong criticism from various quarters, not only due to the high costs involved but also because of the choice of the historic White House South Lawn as the venue. An AFP reporter on the scene today saw cranes lifting massive metal structures into position on the South Lawn to set up the arena for the UFC event, which will take place on June 14, Trump's 80th birthday. Trump stated earlier this month during an event in the Oval Office, "We are going to have a massive fight. This has never happened before, and it will never happen again." Trump also displayed a photo of the "Octagon," an eight-sided ring enclosed by wire mesh, with seating for spectators and the White House in the background. He said the South Lawn would accommodate 4,500 spectators, and large screens would be set up in the plaza outside the White House, allowing up to 100,000 people to watch the live broadcast for free. Trump is a die-hard UFC fan and has attended many matches in person, which has made him deeply popular among the UFC's core fan base. These young male fans are key voters in the 2024 U.S. presidential election. The event is titled "UFC Freedom 250," echoing the nation's 250th-anniversary celebrations this summer, and the date coincides with "Flag Day" and Trump's 80th birthday. However, the event has faced intense scrutiny, not just for its high cost but for selecting the historic White House lawn as the venue. The parent company of the UFC stated in February that hosting this fight would cost at least $60 million (approximately NT$1.896 billion), hoping to recover about half the costs through corporate sponsorships and other channels. The White House stated that the UFC would cover all expenses. A White House official told AFP, "Not a single cent of taxpayer money is being used." However, the timing of this lavish event coincides with the U.S. being deeply embroiled in the Iraq War, which has caused oil prices to soar and significantly increased the cost of living for American citizens.