The lawsuit, according to ABC News reporter Peter Charalambous, asks a federal judge to declare the authorization for the June 14 event unlawful. The event is scheduled for the South Lawn of the White House and is expected to include a caged octagon, with thousands of spectators gathered nearby at the Ellipse.
Claims of improper permits
The Public Integrity Project, representing a political activist and a Vietnam War veteran, argues that the event bypassed the usual permitting process for activities held on National Park Service land.
The lawsuit claims the Trump administration relied on a temporary rule connected to “America 250,” the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of American independence, to approve the event without going through ordinary procedures.
The plaintiffs say that exemption does not apply because the event is being organized by a private company rather than the federal government. They also argue that the fight is not meaningfully tied to the anniversary celebration.
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In the filing, the lawsuit describes the event as “deeply corrupt” and says it is not, in any meaningful way, a celebration of American independence. Instead, it argues, the event promotes the UFC brand and coincides with President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday.
Environmental review at issue
The lawsuit also raises environmental concerns, particularly over the construction of a large steel arch planned for the South Lawn.
According to the complaint, the 600-ton structure should have been reviewed under the National Environmental Policy Act before construction was allowed to move forward. The plaintiffs argue that skipping that review deprived the public of required oversight for a major project on federal land.
Allegations of private benefit
The filing goes beyond permitting and environmental claims, alleging that the event gives President Trump and his allies an extraordinary opportunity to benefit from public property.
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The lawsuit notes that Trump owns stock in the UFC’s parent company. It also points to VIP packages reportedly priced at more than $1 million, sponsorship arrangements involving an overseas cryptocurrency exchange, and plans to stream the fight through UFC broadcast partner Paramount Skydance.
The plaintiffs say they are suffering aesthetic, dignitary and procedural harm because of the government’s actions.
The White House and UFC did not immediately respond to ABC News’ requests for comment. The case has been assigned to Judge Amit Mehta, who was appointed by former President Barack Obama.
Legal challenges to Trump administration projects in Washington have produced mixed results in the past. This case, however, focuses directly on whether the White House and surrounding federal land were lawfully approved for a private sports event.
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Sources: abcnews.com
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