Two Virginia residents have initiated legal action to prevent a UFC fight from taking place at the White House, an event organized by President Donald Trump as part of the celebrations for the United States’ 250th anniversary. The lawsuit, filed by the Public Integrity Project on behalf of a Vietnam War veteran and a civic activist, contends that the temporary structure on the White House grounds requires congressional approval and an environmental review.

Concerns Over Financial Gains

The plaintiffs argue that the event, scheduled for June 14 to coincide with Trump’s 80th birthday, is a private, for-profit sports event that will financially benefit UFC President Dana White and Trump. They cite a report indicating that Trump purchased $50,000 in stock in TKO Group Holdings, UFC’s parent company, earlier this year.

The lawsuit disputes the administration’s claim that the UFC match is part of the authorized celebrations for America’s 250th anniversary. Instead, it asserts that the event primarily celebrates the UFC brand and Trump’s birthday rather than American Independence.

Veteran’s Perspective

Paul Romano, a retired Air Force sergeant and Vietnam veteran, expressed his disapproval of the event’s location. “The Lincoln Memorial is sacred ground, and it honors everyone who has ever worn this country’s uniform,” Romano stated in a news release. “Using it as a backdrop for a for-profit cage fight so the President and his friends can make money is a desecration.”

The White House and UFC have yet to comment on the lawsuit. The event’s weigh-in is planned for the day before at the Lincoln Memorial, further fueling the controversy surrounding the use of national landmarks for commercial purposes.

Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.