Eiffel Tower?!?! Donald Trump might keep UFC White House setup: ‘We’ll never, ever take it down!’
Yahoo Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- President Donald Trump responded to criticism about the large UFC Freedom 250 stage being built on the White House South Lawn by suggesting it might remain there permanently after the June 14, 2026 event.
- The structure, nicknamed “The Claw,” is a massive metal setup designed to provide proper lighting and clear sight lines for the fights while keeping the White House visible from all angles.
- Critics have expressed concern over the White House’s appearance, especially with the East Wing under renovation and the cagefighting arena construction, likening it to a property "taken over by meth heads."
- Trump compared the stage to the Eiffel Tower, which was originally intended to be temporary but was kept due to popularity, implying the UFC structure could similarly become a permanent fixture.
- While it remains uncertain if “The Claw” will stay, Trump’s remarks and the scale of the event indicate he is serious about hosting major UFC events at the White House in the future.