DOJ Defends UFC White House Event Against Last-Minute Lawsuit

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has urged a federal judge to dismiss a last-minute lawsuit seeking to block the UFC Freedom 250 event scheduled for the White House South Lawn. The lawsuit, filed by the left-wing activist group Public Integrity Project on behalf of two Virginia residents, alleges the event violates National Park Service (NPS) regulations and is a burden to taxpayers. The DOJ, in its filing, argued that the lawsuit was filed too late and that NPS regulations do not prohibit the event. The UFC Freedom 250, set for Sunday, coincides with Flag Day and President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday. The event includes weigh-ins and faceoffs at the Lincoln Memorial, with fighters training for months in preparation. The DOJ emphasized the significant resources already invested in the event, including millions of dollars spent, labor hours, and travel accommodations for attendees. The lawsuit claims the event is "deeply corrupt" and alleges improper authorization for using federal parklands. The Trump administration has dismissed the lawsuit as "obstructionist" and "baseless," calling the event a historic celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary. Meanwhile, UFC chief Dana White has confirmed that stuntman Travis Pastrana will perform a dirt bike backflip on the White House lawn as part of the event, sponsored by Black Rifle Coffee. The event is expected to cost upwards of $60 million, with the UFC stating it will not profit from it.