Trump suggests he won’t take down UFC ‘Claw’ on White House lawn
CNN • • nation
Key Points:
- President Donald Trump suggested on TikTok that the UFC lighting grid, known as "The Claw," installed on the White House South Lawn for a fight on June 14, might remain there permanently, comparing it to the Eiffel Tower which was never dismantled as originally planned.
- The massive structure, decorated like the American flag and taller than the White House, has disrupted usual White House operations, including halting Marine One landings on the South Lawn, forcing Trump to use motorcades to Joint Base Andrews instead.
- UFC CEO Dana White confirmed UFC is covering the event and construction costs, estimated at $60 million, including $700,000 to re-sod the South Lawn grass damaged by the installation of the Octagon and audience stands.
- Trump's consideration to keep the structure reflects his broader pattern of making unconventional and controversial changes to White House grounds and Washington, DC landmarks during his presidency.