Democrats Upset at Trump's White House UFC Event-Are Taxpayers Paying?

Democrats are scrutinizing President Donald Trump's plans to construct a temporary Ultimate Fighting Championship arena at the White House ahead of a June 14 fight to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.

The backlash over Trump hosting a UFC event at the White House reflects growing scrutiny of how the administration uses public resources for high‑profile political moments. Democrats say the event blurs the line between official government functions and campaign‑style entertainment, though the administration views it as part of the celebration of American history.

The UFC is expected to pay about $60 million for the arena, according to a March Sports Business Journal interview with TKO President Mark Shapiro. UFC CEO Dana White confirmed to the news outlet that the company, not the government, will pay the full cost. TKO is the parent company of the UFC.

Democrats Criticize UFC Arena

California Governor Gavin Newsom's press office wrote on X in response to photographs showing construction beginning at the White House, "Mr. President, we just want lower gas prices."

Senator Adam Schiff, a California Democrat, wrote on X in response to more photos of the construction: “Trump is building a golden ballroom and for his birthday party - arranging a UFC fight on the White House grounds - while you’re fighting to pay this month’s bills. Could he be more out of touch?”

"You’re paying more for groceries. More for gas. More for healthcare. All while Trump is spending your money on a gaudy 250-foot arch by Arlington Cemetery, a UFC cage on the South Lawn, and tearing down the East Wing to build his ballroom. This needs to stop," wrote Representative Jared Huffman, another California Democrat, on X.

Davis Ingle, a White House spokesperson, responded to the criticism in a statement to Newsweek on Tuesday.

"Dumocrats are opposed to anything that celebrates the greatness of our Country because they are America Last losers. This will be one of the greatest and most historic sports events in history, and President Trump hosting it at the White House is a testament to his vision to celebrate America's monumental 250th anniversary," he said.

UFC Arena's $60 Million Price Tag

White confirmed that the UFC would be paying for the venue in remarks to Sports Business Journal.

"No, we're eating the whole thing," White said. "So yeah, it's going to be a historic one-of-one fight, and just like I talked about with the Sphere, we're going to make the Sphere look like f****** ash tray money."

Shapiro told Sports Business Journal that TKO would be capitalizing on the event.

"Whatever we lose, [a projected] $30M at this point, on the event, are we really losing? Other properties would kill to have the opportunity we're going to have. This is going to be enormous in terms of attention, in terms of earned media, in terms of our fans being happy," he said.

UFC Ring Construction Updates

UFC provided an update on the ring's construction in a post on X on Tuesday.

"Construction has begun at the White House for UFC Freedom 250," UFC wrote, sharing photos of the construction of the arch outside the White House.

Last week, the UFC released new visuals for what the arena may look like when it is finished. The cage and stage will be surrounded by thousands of temporary seats, including ringside space for a full marching band.

Trump has said the arena will include "a 5,000-seat arena right outside the front door of the White House." Additional large screens broadcasting the fights will be set up in a park at the nearby Ellipse. The UFC plans to distribute as many as 85,000 free tickets across both locations.

"I have never seen anybody want anything so much as people want those tickets," Trump said recently. "That’s gonna be something."

When Will the White House UFC Event Take Place?

The main event is scheduled for June 14, 2026, coinciding with Flag Day. Prelims begin at 4 p.m. ET, with the main card starting at 8 p.m. ET. White has described the event as the "historic sporting event in history, and it's a night where every single fight has the potential to be Fight of the Night."

The event is part of the administration's semicentennial programming. Other planned events include an IndyCar race that will pass by the White House and the Great American State Fair on the National Mall.

Who Will Be There?

The following UFC stars will be at the event, according to a press release from the UFC:

• Ilia Topuria
• Justin Gaethje
• Alex Pereira
• Ciryl Gane

How to Watch White House UFC Event

The event is expected to be broadcast through Paramount+.

This article includes reporting by the Associated Press.

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This story was originally published May 26, 2026 at 6:09 PM.