Trump Says He Could Beat UFC Fighter After White House Fight Night
The president’s boast and a false claim about the absence of women at the South Lawn card have sharpened questions about the use of presidential grounds for a privately financed sporting event.
Overview
- The White House hosted UFC Freedom 250 on June 14 on the South Lawn in a privately financed production that used Secret Service, DHS, FAA and local police support for security and logistics.
- All seven bouts at the June 14 card ended by knockout and the event crowned two new champions, drawing high viewer interest and celebrity involvement on the broadcast.
- President Trump told a Pennsylvania crowd Tuesday that he could beat Bo Nickal in the octagon and praised the fighters as “the strongest, toughest men on Earth.”
- Trump’s remark that there were “no women” at the UFC is incorrect because the UFC includes prominent female fighters such as Ronda Rousey and Amanda Nunes, a point raised in media coverage.
- The event has prompted lawsuits and political scrutiny over approvals and public costs, a judge denied emergency relief to block the show, and UFC CEO Dana White said the production was costly though a troop-focused repeat could be possible next year.