A federal judge has rejected a request from two Virginia residents to block President Donald Trump from hosting a UFC fight at the White House this weekend. The decision was made by US District Judge Amit P. Mehta, who concluded that the two plaintiffs do not have the legal right to challenge the event.

Background of the Case

The plaintiffs, a political activist and a Vietnam War veteran, argued that the event is being unlawfully held at the White House because officials are leaning on a federal rule that exempts events around America’s 250th birthday from having to follow certain permitting regulations. They claimed that the UFC event is not being held in honor of the country’s founding but is instead intended to celebrate Trump’s birthday.

The judge acknowledged the administration’s claim that a ruling halting the event would cause substantial harm to the people involved in the event, including Trump, the fighters, and thousands of spectators. The event has cost the UFC more than $60 million, and the potential loss of those dollars resulting from a last-minute, court-ordered stoppage cannot be ignored.

Event Details

The UFC is responsible for production, labor, construction, and promotion costs, while the federal government is providing emergency equipment and services, including first aid/medical services, law enforcement, and security. The event is expected to have 4,000 guests on the South Lawn and over 120,000 guests on the Ellipse.

Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.