Welcome to ‘the Claw’: the White House fighting cage captures Trump era rot | Sidney Blumenthal
Summary
The government is facing a legal challenge against President Donald Trump’s plan to demolish part of the White House and build a large ballroom without necessary approvals or public input. At the same time, a large cage for a UFC martial arts event called “UFC Freedom 250” is being set up on the White House grounds to celebrate President Trump’s 80th birthday, raising concerns about misuse of federal property and influence.Key Facts
- President Trump decided to demolish the East Wing of the White House and construct a 90,000 square foot ballroom.
- This decision was made without congressional approval, oversight from federal commissions, environmental studies, or public input.
- The National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Public Integrity Project have filed lawsuits to stop these actions, calling them unlawful.
- The Department of Justice argued that the president can act without limits or legal challenge if he moves quickly enough.
- A 600-ton, 154-foot tall structure called “the Claw” is being built on the South Lawn of the White House for a UFC fighting event.
- The UFC event, named “UFC Freedom 250,” is scheduled to mark President Trump’s 80th birthday with martial arts matches inside the cage.
- The event will include weigh-ins and face-offs at the Lincoln Memorial, with fights shown on big screens on the Ellipse for many spectators.
- Critics argue the event is a private, for-profit spectacle that uses federal property to benefit Trump’s political and financial allies.
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