A lawsuit has been filed to prevent the upcoming UFC Freedom 250 event, scheduled for June 14, from taking place on the South Lawn of the White House. The legal challenge comes just a week before the high-profile mixed martial arts event, which is set to feature two championship bouts in a unique setting outside the traditional arenas.
The event promises an extraordinary spectacle, with the fights staged inside a large temporary structure nicknamed “The Claw.” Attendance is limited to over 4,000 invited guests, including notable Hollywood figures and active members of the U.S. military. Adding to the occasion’s prominence, President Donald Trump, a known UFC enthusiast, will be present as he marks his 80th birthday.
Legal Challenge Targets Use of Public Grounds
However, the choice of venue has sparked controversy. On Saturday, Paul Romano, a Vietnam War veteran, alongside Susan Douglas, a civic activist and organizer, petitioned the federal district court for the District of Columbia to issue an emergency injunction to halt the event. Their lawsuit contends that holding a private, profit-driven sports event on federally managed public spaces—the White House South Lawn and the Lincoln Memorial—violates federal regulations.
The complaint further alleges that both President Trump and UFC CEO Dana White stand to gain financially from the event, despite its invitation-only nature. The plaintiffs argue that national monuments and public grounds should not be exploited for commercial branding or personal profit, emphasizing the importance of preserving these sites from private enterprise uses.