U.S. President Donald Trump, from the Republican Party, celebrated his 80th birthday on Sunday with a brutal demonstration of political power, turning the White House lawn into an arena for bloody cage fights, AFP reports.
An unprecedented spectacle unfolded in the sanctuary of American democracy: Trump, along with thousands of supporters, watched as UFC fighters beat each other to a bloody pulp.
While this event took place on the South Lawn of the White House, Trump was also basking in the glory of a peace agreement with Iran, announced just a few hours earlier.
Critics argue that former reality show host Trump, who repeatedly violated norms during his presidency, is debasing the White House by staging cage fights.
However, Trump and the 4,000 spectators and American servicemen gathered at the specially constructed stadium called The Claw fully enjoyed this raw display of power.
After the victory, several UFC fighters in the style of Roman gladiators paid their respects to the president, with two praising him for his "steel balls" shown in organizing the bout.
One of them, Josh Hawkit, unexpectedly launched an attack on the former First Lady, shouting into the microphone in front of Trump: "Michelle Obama is a man, isn’t she, America?"
The commercialization of the event in the heart of American democracy also drew criticism: the ring was adorned with sponsor logos, including the beer brand Bud Light and the betting company Polymarket.
Trump, a longtime fan of mixed martial arts, emerged from the Oval Office at the beginning of the evening with UFC head Dana White and walked down the famous colonnade of the West Wing.
Both stood on the Truman Balcony during the performance of the national anthem and the flyover of 12 military planes. Later in the evening, a noisy flyover was also conducted by a B-1 bomber.
Muscular fighters exited the White House, walked through historic halls to their bouts, and ascended to the same balcony before heading to the ring.
The fight took place in a giant arena that was taller than the White House. Trump and his wife Melania sat next to the cage, or Octagon.
The event, titled UFC Freedom 250, is intended to kick off the celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence.
Additionally, it coincides not only with U.S. Flag Day but also with the day Trump enters his ninth decade.
The billionaire president also faced criticism for organizing the event at a time when American consumers are still grappling with the economic fallout from the war with Iran.
Among the thousands of people gathered in Ellipse Park in front of the White House to watch the brutal spectacle on a giant screen, there were also defenders of the event.
"I think there’s possibly a bit of selfishness in this, but he’s a leader, so the last word is his," said 35-year-old sports coach from Virginia, Niles Rife, to AFP.
50-year-old U.S. Marine Corps veteran Mark Toon stated that this fight is deeply symbolic and characteristic of American culture.
According to the White House, the $60 million cost of the event will be fully covered by the UFC.
Trump, closely associated with this sport, whose young male audience reflects his own political electorate, presented the UFC event as a unique spectacle.
"This is an event you will really enjoy," Trump said in May while hosting several fighters in the Oval Office.
The celebration of the peace agreement with Iran seemed to be in full swing: U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who played a key role in the negotiations, embraced Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, in the crowd.
Trump was seen conversing with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, and the presence of Paramount head and Trump ally David Ellison reflected the fact that his media empire secured exclusive broadcasting rights for the event.
At the same time, this spectacle diverted attention from concerns regarding Trump’s health due to his age.
Trump loves to compare his masculine energy with that of his Democratic predecessor Joe Biden, who also turned 80 while in office but was forced to drop out of the race for a second term after disastrous debates with a Republican.
However, Trump has also faced a number of health issues—from bruises on his hands and vein problems in his legs to noticeable drowsiness during meetings, although his doctor claims that the head of state is in excellent shape.
