The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event scheduled to take place at the White House on President Donald Trump’s birthday this weekend is costing more than $60 million, according to a recent court filing.Dubbed UFC Freedom 250, the fights are part of a lineup of events scheduled for this summer and promoted by the Trump Administration to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The UFC event, though, is facing a legal challenge: the Public Integrity Project has filed a lawsuit against it, arguing that it would be an improper use of public property. Trump Administration officials have said the lawsuit is baseless. The federal government filed a court document on Tuesday in the case, in which it outlined some of the preparations for the fights, calling the event “a collaboration between the White House, executive agencies,” and the UFC.“In preparation, well over $60 million and tens of thousands of hours of labor have been expended,” the document reads. “More than 4,000 spectators are expected to attend on the South Lawn, including more than 1,000 members of our armed services, and more than 120,000 visitors are expected to watch from the nearby Ellipse after winning free tickets in a lottery.”More than seven federal government agencies “have allocated significant resources and manpower” for the event, including the Department of the Interior, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Federal Aviation Administration, according to the court filing."UFC is funding and paying for this entire event," a White House official previously told TIME. "There are no taxpayer dollars being used outside of what would be applied towards employees normal duties and responsibilities."The UFC has previously told media outlets that it is covering the full production price tag. Dana White, president and chief executive officer of the UFC, previously told TIME that the company expects to lose about $30 million on the event.The event has sparked widespread controversy. Only 16% of Americans support the fights being held on the White House grounds, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Thursday. In comparison, 46% of Americans said they thought that holding the fights was inappropriate.Other America250 events promoted by the Trump Administration have also generated backlash. In May, several performers pulled out of a concert series planned to commemorate the country’s 250th anniversary, accusing the event of being politically charged. The President publicly lambasted those artists on Truth Social, and later announced “A Rally to end all Rallies” that will be held in the nation’s capital this month.
The White House UFC Event Is Costing $60 Million
The event, which will take place on the White House grounds this weekend, has sparked widespread controversy.
UFC Freedom 250 at the White House costs $60M+, fully funded by UFC despite a $30M projected loss; six federal agencies coordinate. Survey shows 46% of Americans view it as inappropriate, exposing tensions in government-corporate partnerships during polarized times.













