Trump's White House UFC fight requires $60M and 7 federal agencies
AP News • • nation
Key Points:
- President Donald Trump’s planned UFC fight on the White House’s South Lawn involves over seven federal agencies, hundreds of staff, and at least $60 million, primarily funded by the UFC and its affiliates.
- The event, part of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations, features seven MMA matches on Sunday with an arena for 4,000 spectators and an additional 120,000 expected to watch nearby.
- Preparations began May 20, involving extensive logistics including screening of equipment and staff by the Secret Service, with support from agencies such as Homeland Security and the FAA.
- The weekend includes a ceremonial weigh-in, a concert by The Zac Brown Band, a UFC Fan Fest, and the main bouts, with disassembly scheduled to complete by June 23.
- A federal lawsuit filed by two Virginia residents challenges the event, alleging it violates National Park Service regulations and calling it a “corrupt use” of national monuments, while the Park Service defends the event and its preparations.