UFC Fighter Critiques Trump's Plans for White House Fight Event

<figure><img alt="US President Donald Trump shows a rendering of the upcoming " src="https://thedailybeast-thedailybeast-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/I7U47D5WBVFHVLJBPDFLQTN7D4.jpg?auth=f3edaac47439bebe2999d9fbf79cc9bba6a479fecd5cbd4dec44be7da3bab1f6&amp;smart=true&amp;width=6862&amp;height=3860" /><figcaption>KENT NISHIMURA / Kent NISHIMURA / AFP via Getty Images</figcaption></figure><p>UFC fighter Bryce Mitchell has criticized President Donald Trump's plan to host a cage-fighting event on the White House lawn, labeling it as a “desecration” of the government's role. The event, titled UFC Freedom 250, is scheduled for June 14, coinciding with Trump’s 80th birthday and Flag Day.</p><p>Mitchell expressed his concerns during a UFC media day in Las Vegas, stating, “Our government is to protect and serve the people and really should be as minimal as possible.” He argued that hosting such events diverts the government from its intended purpose, emphasizing that taxpayer resources should not fund entertainment.</p><p>In a video posted by MMA Junkie, he reiterated, “The government is supposed to protect us, not entertain us.” This is not the first time Mitchell has criticized Trump; earlier, he described the White House event as an “egregious use of political favor” and accused the UFC of aligning with Trump’s campaign.</p><p>Mitchell, who is ranked 16th in the featherweight division, clarified that his objections were directed at the Trump administration rather than the UFC itself, stating, “First off, I ain’t jealous of any of those fighters.”</p><p>His criticism is notable given that he had previously expressed strong support for Trump, stating in December 2024 that he would “take a bullet and die” for him. However, he later changed his stance, calling Trump a “corrupted leader.”</p><p>Mitchell's remarks come amid broader criticism of the planned event, which has also drawn skepticism from UFC president Dana White and commentator Joe Rogan. White acknowledged that the event might not benefit Trump, stating, “Probably not” when asked if Trump needed the event.</p><p>The fight night is projected to cost over $60 million, with TKO Group Holdings, the UFC's parent company, expected to incur a net loss of about $30 million. Trump has expressed a desire to keep the octagon structure at the White House permanently, comparing it to the Eiffel Tower.</p><p>The Daily Beast has reached out to the White House and UFC for comments regarding the event.</p>