Lawsuit seeks to block White House UFC fights for Trump's birthday

A lawsuit has been filed to prevent President Donald Trump from hosting Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) bouts at the White House as part of his birthday celebration on June 14. The plaintiffs, including a Vietnam War veteran and an activist, contend that the planned event constitutes a "corrupt scheme" and violates federal law.

The lawsuit, lodged in Washington D.C., argues that using public resources to generate profits for a sports promoter is illegal. According to the Public Integrity Project, which represents the plaintiffs, Trump and UFC President Dana White are expected to profit financially. The suit points to Trump's purchase of $50,000 in company stock and the sale of $1.5 million VIP packages for the event.

Furthermore, the legal challenge asserts that the metal structure being erected at the White House for the UFC fights contravenes regulations set by the National Park Service (NPS). The construction, which requires Congressional approval as it is located in a federal park, is estimated to cost at least $700,000 for garden repairs. The plaintiffs, identified as retired Sergeant Paul Romano from Springfield, Virginia, and activist Susan Douglas from Alexandria, Virginia, state their goal is to "preserve Washington's monumental spaces."

"This is a deeply corrupt scheme to enrich the president and his friends," declared Brendan Ballou, founder of the Public Integrity Project. "If this fight is allowed to proceed, it will only be the beginning, and our national monuments will become branding opportunities for the wealthy." Trump had previously announced plans for a mixed martial arts event coinciding with his birthday and the start of the 250th anniversary celebrations of American independence. Before entering politics, Trump was involved in promoting boxing matches in the 1980s and 1990s and has a long-standing relationship with WWE.

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This is a deeply corrupt scheme to enrich the president and his friends. If this fight is allowed to proceed, it will only be the beginning, and our national monuments will become branding opportunities for the wealthy.