The Trump administration has asked a federal judge to throw out a lawsuit seeking to block a UFC event planned for the White House this weekend, arguing that the two plaintiffs have no legal standing and are attempting to derail a major public celebration.
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In a court filing on Tuesday, the Justice Department said the lawsuit, brought by two Virginia residents, was filed far too late and lacks merit. The department argued that the plaintiffs could simply choose not to watch the event rather than seek court intervention.
“It would be easy enough to simply avert their gazes for the weekend,” the filing stated, adding that the plaintiffs were attempting to impose their personal preferences on the broader public and prevent an event intended to celebrate the United States.
Administration attacks legal challenge
The lawsuit, filed over the weekend by the Public Integrity Project on behalf of a political activist and a Vietnam veteran, claims the event was improperly approved and should have undergone an environmental review. It also argues that using White House grounds for the UFC event represents an unusual use of public land that benefits President Donald Trump and his allies.
The plaintiffs describe the event as “deeply corrupt” and contend that the administration relied on a temporary rule linked to the America 250 celebrations to bypass standard permitting requirements for activities on National Park Service land.
According to the lawsuit, because the UFC event is being organised by a private company rather than the federal government and is not directly tied to commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence, it should not qualify for the exemption.
White House defends event plans
In response, the administration said the UFC card is among a series of high-profile events planned as part of the nation’s 250th birthday celebrations. The filing compared the event to longstanding White House traditions such as the Easter Egg Roll and the Congressional Picnic.
The Justice Department also highlighted the scale of preparations already completed for the event. According to the filing, more than $60 million and tens of thousands of labour hours have been invested in organising the spectacle.
Thousands expected to attend
Officials said more than 4,000 spectators are expected on the South Lawn, including over 1,000 members of the US military. An additional 120,000 people are expected to gather on the nearby Ellipse after obtaining free tickets through a lottery system.
The filing added that 14 fighters from around the world are scheduled to compete, including participants in two world championship bouts, and noted that athletes have spent months preparing for the event.
The government warned that cancelling the event at the last minute would disrupt plans for spectators, service members and competitors alike. It argued that the hopes of those involved should not be overturned because of objections raised by two individuals.
The administration has informed the judge overseeing the case, Amit Mehta, that government lawyers are available for oral arguments on Thursday if he decides a hearing is necessary.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 11 June 2026