Judge Denies Lawsuit Seeking to Block UFC Freedom 250 Event on White House South Lawn
U.S. District Judge Amit P. Mehta ruled on Thursday, that the plaintiffs — the Public Integrity Project and two Virginia residents — failed to show that they would suffer irreparable harm warranting an injunction so close to the event.
Tommy Flynn
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A federal judge rejected a last-minute attempt to halt the UFC Freedom 250 mixed martial arts event scheduled for June 14 on the White House South Lawn, allowing the high-profile fight card to proceed as planned for President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday and the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
U.S. District Judge Amit P. Mehta ruled on Thursday, that the plaintiffs — the Public Integrity Project and two Virginia residents — failed to show that they would suffer irreparable harm warranting an injunction so close to the event. The decision clears the final major legal hurdle for the privately funded spectacle.
The lawsuit had argued that holding a commercial UFC event on the historic South Lawn violated National Park Service rules, lacked proper environmental and permitting reviews, and improperly commercialized presidential grounds. Plaintiffs also raised concerns over potential indirect financial benefits to President Trump through his reported stake in TKO Group Holdings, UFC’s parent company.
The card is headlined by UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria versus Justin Gaethje, with thousands of live attendees including military members and first responders receiving free or low-cost tickets. UFC is covering the full estimated $60 million cost, with large screens set up on the National Mall for broader public viewing. A temporary arena structure is already under construction and will be removed afterward, with the lawn restored to its original condition.
The White House described the event as a fitting patriotic tribute during Freedom 250 festivities. Administration officials emphasized that no taxpayer dollars are being used and that the gathering honors service members and national achievements.
Opponents had framed the fight as an inappropriate use of the presidential residence, but the court’s swift denial allows final preparations to move forward without delay. The ruling aligns with precedents permitting large-scale events on federal grounds when properly coordinated and privately funded.
The UFC Freedom 250 event is now set to take place on Sunday, June 14, as one of the centerpiece celebrations of America’s 250th anniversary.
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