The Public Integrity Project, representing two Virginians, requested the blocking of the “UFC Freedom 250” event. The authors of the lawsuit argued that private events cannot be held on the White House lawnand the arena built there did not receive the necessary permits. They described the entire event in the document as “deeply corrupt.”
The Donald Trump administration filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit. Federal Judge Amit Mehta decided on Friday that the organizers have the right to use the lawn of the presidential residence as a venue for the gala. In its justification, the court stated that the plaintiffs probably lack standing to bring the proceedings, and they themselves had not proven that they would suffer irreparable harm if the event was carried out as planned.
Judge Mehta's decision
Mehta also drew attention to the “unjustified delay” in filing the lawsuit, even though preparations had been going on for many months, reports the AP agency. The White House welcomed the verdict. The court resolved the case several dozen hours before the scheduled start of the show.
Rubio's agreement with the UFC
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday signed a framework agreement with White to promote sports diplomacy. The head of American diplomacy called the federation “united fighting nations” and appreciated the fact that the duels, in his opinion, “educate Americans about cultures and societies from around the world.”
— There are only a few things that bring people together in one place and time, united by a common interest. We need more things like this, more forms and spaces where we can meet and experience something together and find something in common. “If you've been to UFC events, and I've been to many, and you look at the crowd, it's as diverse as it gets,” he added.
Arena on the White House lawn
A special zone for fans has been prepared in the nearby Ellipse Park, where 80,000-100,000 people will be able to watch the matches. people. Those interested could win free tickets in the lottery. The fight of the evening will feature Georgian-Spanish fighter Ilia Topuria and American Justin Gaethje, and the broadcast will be provided by Paramount+, owned by the president's ally, David Ellison.
Trump's investments in TKO Group
The Hill website draws attention to the reservations of some commentators regarding the administration's ties with the federation. INthey condemn the host of the White House to the capital involvement in the UFC's parent company – TKO Group Holdings — and to the ethical concerns surrounding cage fighting itself.
As agreed the spectacle cost the organizers at least USD 60 million, and it is financed by the UFC. “The UFC is financing and paying for this entire event,” a White House representative said in a statement to Time magazine. “No taxpayer money is used beyond what would otherwise be spent on employees' normal duties,” he added. At least seven federal agencies are involved in handling the event.
Reuters/Ipsos poll
The lawsuit filed last weekend shows that the federation offers VIP packages ranging from $1 million to $1.5 million. However, the Reuters/Ipsos study shows that Americans are skeptical about the idea of organizing cage fights at the president's office. Only 16 percent respondents found it appropriate, while 46 percent expressed the opposite opinion, and the others did not take a position. Among Republicans, only 31 percent support the event. respondents.
The show is scheduled to start at 20 local time, i.e. 2 a.m. in Poland. After the duels, Trump is scheduled to fly to France for the G7 summit.
