President Donald Trump said Thursday he’s considering hosting a UFC fight on the White House lawn as part of the nation’s upcoming 250th Independence Day celebrations, drawing a mix of surprise and intrigue with the bold proposal.
Speaking at a kickoff event in Iowa for the yearlong “America 250” festivities, Trump floated the idea of transforming the White House grounds into a combat sports arena, potentially welcoming as many as 20,000 to 25,000 spectators.
“We have a lot of land there,” said Trump, a longtime UFC enthusiast and close friend of UFC President Dana White. “I even think we’re going to have a UFC fight—think of this, on the grounds of the White House. A full fight. A real one.”
The proposed bout would be just one piece of a broader series of events marking the country’s semiquincentennial in July 2026. Trump also announced plans for a major festival on the National Mall and a nationwide athletic competition featuring top high school athletes from every state.
“So every one of our national parks, battlefields and historic sites are going to have special events in honor of America 250,” he added. “But the UFC fight might be the biggest draw.”
While a White House spokesperson declined to provide details, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later confirmed the president’s intent. “He’s dead serious,” she said.
Trump, who has made multiple high-profile appearances at UFC events—often receiving standing ovations—was recently seen cage-side with Dana White for a pair of championship fights following his 2024 reelection.
Whether or not a UFC match on the South Lawn becomes a reality, the idea underscores Trump’s flair for spectacle as he begins ramping up plans for what he hopes will be a landmark moment in American history.
