The Daily Fuckup

A federal lawsuit filed June 7 is trying to stop the UFC event planned for the White House grounds on June 14, a date the administration has tied to President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday and the nation’s 250th anniversary commemoration.

The complaint, filed for two Virginia residents, argues that National Park Service rules prohibit sporting events on federal parkland and says the event setup was approved without the review it required. The filing also challenges the large structure planned over the event space, saying Congress did not consent to it and that environmental review was not completed before work began.

The National Park Service says the Ellipse, Lafayette Park, the White House sidewalk and several nearby streets and walkways are closed for UFC Freedom 250 setup and removal from May 20 through June 28. The agency says additional Secret Service-related sidewalk closures are in place from June 12 through June 15 so crews can create a secure staging area, security perimeter and screening space for ticketed guests.

NPS permit rules for President’s Park say organized activities, including special events with 25 or more people or any event that needs setup, require a public gathering permit. The agency’s site also says reservations and permits are required for some activities in the park.

Trump has said the finished setup will include a 5,000-seat arena outside the White House, and the UFC plans to distribute as many as 85,000 free tickets for spectators around the White House area and nearby Ellipse viewing space. The White House has called the lawsuit an attempt to block a properly permitted event on federal land.

The case is now before the court.