President Donald Trump is hosting a UFC event on the White House grounds, marking America's 250th anniversary and his 80th birthday. The 'Claw' structure, a massive frame on the South Lawn, frames the UFC 'Octagon'. The three-day event has expanded beyond the White House and National Mall, with complex security measures, road closures, and facilities to accommodate tens of thousands of attendees. The UFC is fronting $60 million in production costs, but taxpayers are also footing part of the bill. While it's generated enthusiasm among MAGA allies, the event has drawn rebukes from Trump critics and skepticism from some Republicans, particularly in light of the war with Iran driving up costs for consumers. Trump and UFC President Dana White have arrived at the White House balcony to kick off the evening's events, with the Zac Brown Band playing the National Anthem. Notable guests include NFL Hall of Famer Michael Irvin, Raiders NFL player Maxx Crosby, and the owners of the New York Jets and the Washington Commanders. The event has also sparked controversy, with the Trump family promoting a venture aimed at profiting off the spectacle by selling gold coins priced as high as $12,000. The UFC has transformed the Indian Treaty Room into a makeshift locker room for fighters, and spectators are filing into the fan zone on the Ellipse. President Trump will watch the fights on the South Lawn with members of his Cabinet, first lady Melania Trump, and other family members. The main card takes place at 8 p.m. ET, with a possibility of timing shifts due to lightning. The event has grown substantially more than expected, with court documents showing roughly 125,000 guests expected and another 75,000 people requesting tickets. The load-in and build process required a coordinated effort on a tight timeline with significant security constraints. The infrastructure is expected to be removed swiftly, with plans in place for demobilization starting at 10:00 a.m. on June 15, 2026.
