President Trump hosts UFC Freedom 250 event on White House lawn
President Donald Trump attended a UFC fight night on the White House South Lawn, where fighters, family members, and notable guests were present amid heightened security.
President Donald Trump watched a UFC Freedom 250 event from a cage-side seat on the White House South Lawn on Sunday, with First Lady Melania Trump seated beside him. The mixed-martial-arts showcase coincided with celebrations for the nation’s 250th anniversary and the president’s 80th birthday.
During the event, UFC fighter Josh Hokit made a controversial comment about former first lady Michelle Obama, prompting a mixed reaction from the audience. Trump was seen briefly smiling after the remark. CNN sought comments from the White House and the former first lady’s office.
Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg were among the high-profile attendees who approached the president for brief greetings. Ellison’s meeting with Trump came days after the Justice Department approved Paramount’s merger with Warner Bros. Discovery, a deal the company describes as “pro-competitive.”
Trump’s immediate family—Melania, Donald Jr., Eric, Ivanka, Jared Kushner, Tiffany and their spouses—were present ringside, along with several grandchildren. The event also attracted a range of VIP guests, including NFL players, tech founders, and members of Congress.
Security was described as “very tight,” involving the Secret Service, U.S. Park Police, Metropolitan Police, National Guard, and other agencies. Measures included magnetometers, radiation detectors, plain-clothes officers, sniper teams and a visible armored vehicle.
UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland was escorted off the premises after an unscheduled appearance, according to U.S. Park Police, which said he left without incident.
In conjunction with the fight night, the Trump Organization announced a line of commemorative silver and gold medallions featuring the president’s likeness, marketed as a collaboration with the UFC. The coins range in price from about $250 for a silver piece to nearly $12,000 for a gold medallion.
Post-event plans call for the removal of the temporary “Claw” lighting structure and restoration of the South Lawn, including a $700,000 expense to re-sod the grass, according to UFC President Dana White.
