WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 17: U.S. President Donald Trump attends a St. Patricks Day event in the East Room of the White House on March 17, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by ALEX WONG / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)
It’s the ultimate symbol of American politics under Donald Trump — a blood-soaked cage match on the lawn of the White House for the US president’s 80th birthday.
A giant arena dubbed “The Claw” has been built on the famed South Lawn for Sunday’s tournament featuring 14 Ultimate Fighting Championship contestants.
Critics have panned the unprecedented $60 million “UFC Freedom 250” event as tone-deaf at a time when Trump’s war in Iran has sent the cost of living soaring for ordinary Americans.
Trump says it is a great way to kick off the 250th anniversary of American independence — not to mention his own birthday — and insists UFC is bearing all of the cost.
