Sean Strickland Removed from UFC Event After Criticizing Trump

UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland was escorted out of a UFC viewing party near the White House by Secret Service agents on June 14, 2026. Strickland, who has been critical of former President Donald Trump, claimed he was banned from participating in the UFC event Trump was hosting for his 80th birthday. Despite this, he attended a fan fest on the Ellipse, where he was surrounded by fans before being removed by law enforcement. In a video posted to Instagram, Strickland expressed uncertainty about any legal violations, stating, 'I’m pretty sure I didn’t break a law.' He later mentioned he may have been charged with disorderly conduct and thanked his supporters. UFC CEO Dana White stated that Strickland was not banned but simply not invited to the event, adding that 'nobody is banned.' The Daily Beast has reached out to the Secret Service and the White House for further comments.