Donald Trump turned 80 on Sunday by inviting the Ultimate Fighting Championship to the South Lawn of the White House, marking an unconventional celebration before heading to France for talks with world leaders. The event, which began just before 8:30pm, featured a towering structure called the Claw—nearly 100 feet tall—that holds 4,300 seats and seven cage matches. An additional 120,000 spectators were expected at nearby outdoor areas where free lottery tickets had been distributed.

Among the attendees were Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and members of Trump's family. Podcast host Joe Rogan provided commentary during the matches, while military servicemembers watched from the audience. Medal of Honor recipients and first responders escorted fighters into the arena. The event was slightly delayed due to weather concerns, with lightning and thunder affecting the nation's capital.

Trump's administration framed the UFC spectacle as part of broader celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the United States, which will include a commemorative gold coin bearing his likeness, a large fair on the National Mall, and an IndyCar race through Washington DC in August. UFC President Dana White, a longtime ally, said the event was Trump's idea and that the company is bearing all costs. The State Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation have signed partnership deals with UFC, and Crypto.com and Dodge's Ram truck brand appear among sponsors listed on the UFC Freedom 250 website.

The Trump family venture World Liberty Financial provided an additional US$250,000 bonus for the top two fighters. UFC spent over US$60 million to stage the event, with more than seven federal agencies allocating significant resources, according to court filings. The South Lawn, traditionally reserved for events like the Easter Egg Roll and Congressional Picnic, underwent a dramatic transformation to accommodate the Claw—taller than the White House itself.

Public opinion remained divided, with a YouGov poll released June 5 showing 51% of Americans disapproved of the White House fight while only 27% approved. A lawsuit filed by the Public Integrity Project called the spectacle a "volcano of corruption," but the legal challenge proved unsuccessful. Locker rooms were set up on White House grounds, including in the Indian Treaty Room, usually reserved for official ceremonies. Trump joked about possibly keeping the Claw permanently, though court filings indicate it will be disassembled starting Monday at 10am—when the president departs for France with a UFC championship belt.