WASHINGTON, D.C. — A federal judge on Friday rejected an emergency effort to block President Donald Trump’s UFC event at the White House, clearing the way for thousands of spectators to descend on the South Lawn this weekend for what critics have called an unprecedented merger of politics, entertainment, and private business interests.
U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta denied requests for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction filed by Washington-area residents Susan Douglas and Paul Romano, who sought to halt Sunday’s “UFC Freedom 250” event. The plaintiffs argued the mixed martial arts showcase violated federal restrictions governing activities on White House grounds and challenged the legality of the massive temporary structure erected to host the fights. According to court filings, Mehta ruled that the plaintiffs failed to demonstrate irreparable harm and were unlikely to establish legal standing to bring the lawsuit. CBS News first reported the ruling.
The decision removes the final legal obstacle facing an event that has generated weeks of controversy.
Trump’s administration has promoted the fight card as part of the broader America250 celebration marking the nation’s 250th anniversary. The event also coincides with Trump’s 80th birthday on June 14.
At the center of the spectacle is “The Claw,” a towering steel structure built on the South Lawn to house the UFC Octagon. White House officials say the installation stands roughly 92 feet tall and required an enormous logistical operation involving hundreds of contractors and thousands of personnel receiving security clearances. According to White House filings, UFC and affiliated organizations have spent more than $60 million preparing for the event. CBS News reported that more than 700 subcontractors participated in construction efforts and more than 2,000 individuals were vetted to support the production and broadcast.
The White House expects approximately 4,000 guests to attend the fights directly on White House grounds, while another 12,000 spectators are expected to gather on the Ellipse. Events began Friday with fighter face-offs at the Lincoln Memorial and will continue through the weekend with fan activities, ceremonial weigh-ins, and a performance by country music group Zac Brown Band.
Critics Called Event “Private Exploitation”
Opponents argued the administration improperly used federal property to stage what they characterized as a private, for-profit sporting event.
The lawsuit claimed federal agencies unlawfully approved the event under special America250 provisions and alleged that “The Claw” was erected without required congressional authorization or environmental review. Plaintiffs further argued that public monuments and White House grounds should not be used for private commercial promotion.
In court filings earlier this week, administration attorneys urged Mehta to reject the challenge, arguing that the White House has a long history of hosting public events and that the plaintiffs had waited too long to seek judicial intervention. Government lawyers also contended the challengers failed to show they would suffer any concrete injury from the weekend festivities.
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