Trump marks 80th birthday with White House UFC event and claims progress on Iran deal

President Donald Trump used his 80th birthday on Sunday to host a mixed-martial-arts showcase on the White House South Lawn, featuring a UFC-style Octagon and attendance by senior officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and House Speaker Mike Johnson. During the event, Trump said an initial agreement to end the war in Iran was "now complete," adding that the United States would lift its blockade and the Strait of Hormuz would reopen, though detailed negotiations remain pending.

The ceremony began with Trump and UFC chief Dana White walking from the Oval Office to the balcony to view the arena. Fighters competed in front of thousands of spectators on the lawn and on large screens at the nearby Ellipse. After the final bout, Trump shook hands with the winner and watched a fireworks display.

White House spokesperson Allison Schuster described the night as "one of the most entertaining nights in American history." A judge recently ordered the removal of Trump's name from a nearby cultural center, and a UFC champion critical of Israel was escorted from the venue by law-enforcement officers.

Critics, including a Cornell University classics professor, characterized the event as a distraction from ongoing policy issues such as the Iran conflict and domestic economic concerns. The National Park Service estimated that the event required more than $60 million in resources and labor from multiple government agencies. UFC announced a partnership with World Liberty Financial, a firm linked to the Trump family, to fund a $250,000 bonus pool for the night’s winners.