White House Says UFC Arena Will Be Dismantled Immediately After Trump's Birthday Event, Despite President's Earlier Comments About Permanence
The Trump administration filed a sworn statement in federal court saying a 92-foot-tall octagon-shaped UFC stage on the White House lawn will be dismantled immediately after an event on June 14 celebrating Trump's 80th birthday and the nation's 250th anniversary. Trump had previously suggested in social media videos that the structure could remain permanently. The statement was filed as part of the administration's defense against lawsuits challenging the event's legality and use of federal lands.
The White House Office of Administration submitted sworn testimony stating that the UFC "Claw" arena will be "disassembled immediately" after the June 14 event, with demobilization beginning the following morning. This contradicts Trump's recent public remarks in which he suggested the structure might become a permanent fixture on the south lawn. Additional structures at the Lincoln Memorial and the Ellipse are expected to be removed by June 23, according to National Park Service officials. The UFC event, promoted as "UFC Freedom 250," is expected to cost $60 million, with the UFC covering construction costs and pledging an additional $700,000 for lawn restoration. The event has faced legal challenges from activists and public interest groups who argue it unlawfully grants a private, for-profit sports organization unprecedented access to federal lands for marketing purposes, potentially at taxpayer expense.
What's missing
The specific legal arguments and merits of the pending lawsuits are not fully detailed; the article focuses on the government's response but does not comprehensively explain the plaintiffs' legal theories or the likelihood of court intervention.
What different sources said
- The IndependentLeft
Trump’s UFC Claw will come down ‘immediately,’ White House says — despite president saying it could be there forever
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