A federal judge has declined to stop President Donald Trump from hosting a UFC event at the White House this weekend, dealing a setback to two Virginia residents who sought an emergency court order against the spectacle.
In a ruling delivered on Friday, US District Judge Amit Mehta dismissed the request, saying the plaintiffs lacked the legal standing required to challenge the event in court.
The decision means preparations for the highly anticipated UFC showdown can continue as planned.
While Mehta did not rule on whether the event itself is lawful, he noted that cancelling it at the last minute could cause significant disruption and financial losses.
The judge pointed to the interests of multiple parties involved, including Trump, the fighters, thousands of attendees and UFC organisers, who have reportedly spent more than $60 million staging the event.
The lawsuit, filed by a political activist and a Vietnam War veteran, argued that the privately organised fight should not be allowed to take place on the White House South Lawn and other federal sites without following standard permitting procedures.
According to the plaintiffs, the administration improperly relied on a federal exemption tied to events marking the 250th anniversary of American independence.
They claimed the UFC event was not genuinely connected to the national celebration but was instead linked to Trump’s birthday, which falls on Sunday.
Their lawyers argued that because the event is largely organised by private entities, it should not qualify for special treatment under federal regulations.
“The event is neither for the celebration of the 250th anniversary of American Independence nor being planned, organised and executed by the federal government,” the plaintiffs said in court filings.
They also contended that the event could financially benefit Trump, citing reports that he owns stock in UFC’s parent company.
However, government lawyers pushed back, arguing that the administration had acted within the law and that temporary structures erected for special events on White House grounds do not require separate congressional approval.
“Temporary structures are common on the White House grounds and have been used for countless events over the years,” Justice Department lawyers argued.
Court filings showed that UFC has covered production, construction, labour and promotional costs for the event, while the federal government is providing security, medical services and emergency support.
White House officials also disclosed that preparations include catering for approximately 4,000 guests on the South Lawn and more than 120,000 people expected on the Ellipse.
Although the exact cost to taxpayers has not been disclosed, officials said federal agencies are providing logistical and security assistance.
With the legal challenge dismissed, workers are expected to complete preparations for the event ahead of Sunday’s main fight card.
The temporary arena structure, known as “The Claw,” is scheduled to be dismantled beginning Monday.
