Two Washington-area residents are seeking an emergency court order to stop President Donald Trump's planned UFC event at the White House, arguing the project violates federal regulations and lacks the necessary authorization.
The request was filed Sunday in federal court in Washington, where the plaintiffs asked US District Judge Amit Mehta to issue a temporary restraining order halting the event and construction of the arena structure known as "the Claw" on the South Lawn of the White House.
The event, dubbed "UFC Freedom 250," is scheduled to take place on June 14, coinciding with Trump's 80th birthday. It is expected to feature fights inside a 92-foot-tall octagon-shaped cage, with weigh-ins planned at the nearby Lincoln Memorial.
Lawsuit challenges event approval
The lawsuit, filed Saturday, alleges that authorization of the event by the National Park Service and Interior Department was unlawful and should be set aside.
The plaintiffs argued that federal monuments and public spaces should not be used for private purposes.
"This nation's public monuments should not be loaned out for private exploitation," the plaintiffs said in the filing.
Judge Mehta on Monday asked attorneys involved in the case to propose a schedule for hearing the emergency request.
The plaintiffs are seeking to prevent the event from moving forward while the broader legal challenge is considered by the court.
White House defends planned event
The White House dismissed the lawsuit, calling it an "obstructionist, baseless, and dilatory lawsuit."
In a statement, the administration said the event is comparable to other activities that have been hosted on White House grounds and at nearby federal sites throughout the year.
The lawsuit argues that the event violates rules barring sporting events on the South Lawn and at the Lincoln Memorial. It also contends that the construction of the large arena structure requires congressional authorization.
The planned event has drawn attention because of its unusual venue and Trump's long-standing ties to the Ultimate Fighting Championship organization.
Part of broader legal disputes
The UFC lawsuit is one of several legal challenges involving construction projects backed by Trump in Washington.
Trump is also facing lawsuits related to plans for a 90,000-square-foot ballroom on the site of the demolished East Wing of the White House.
In addition, his proposal to renovate and close the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has prompted legal challenges.
The court has not yet ruled on the request to halt the UFC event.