Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleA Reuters/Ipsos poll reveals that only 16 percent of Americans consider hosting a UFC fight at the White House on Sunday appropriate, with 46 percent finding it inappropriate. Support for the event is low even among the president's Republican base, with just 31 percent of Republicans believing the fight is suitable. This public sentiment aligns with broader dissatisfaction with the administration, as 70 percent disapprove of Donald Trump’s handling of cost-of-living issues, and his economic approval rating has reached a record low of negative 34 percent. The planned UFC event, which coincides with the president's 80th birthday, is facing a federal lawsuit alleging it constitutes a "volcano of corruption" for a commercial sports league using the White House. The UFC, led by an ally of the president, is reportedly funding the $60 million event, which includes sponsorship from a company where Donald Trump Jr. serves as an adviser. In fullEven Republicans think it’s not ‘appropriate’ for Trump to host a UFC fight at the White HouseThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

The elaborate setup introduces a ‘blood sport’ to a venue previously known for joyful, family-friendly activities

The UFC event on the White House’s South Lawn is the president’s birthday gift to himself. Sources expect it to be a lobbying extravaganza.