...
By Joshua Sammons
Community Manager
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Welcome back to The Conversation, where Newsweek highlights comments and opinions shared by readers. This week, readers are reacting to President Donald Trump's plans to construct a temporary Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) arena at the White House, a move that has sparked backlash from critics.
The event, set for June 14, is intended to mark the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States but has faced push back from Democrats—and podcaster Joe Rogan.
The criticism surrounding Trump’s decision to host the event reflects broader scrutiny over how the administration uses public resources for high-profile political spectacles. While concern has been raised over the reported $60 million price tag, UFC CEO Dana White has said his company will pay the full cost.
Read More on News
Is it a bold celebration befitting the United States’ 250th birthday? or an unnecessary use of time, money and resources? Here’s what our readers had to say:
Want to join The Conversation? Sign up to the newsletter here.
Reacting to Democrats Hitting Out
Original Article: Democrats Upset at Trump’s White House UFC Event—Are Taxpayers Paying?
Background: Democrats are scrutinizing President Donald Trump’s plans to construct a temporary Ultimate Fighting Championship arena at the White House.
Reader Comment: “Last week we got "Trump is NOT safe without a bullet-proof and hermetically sealed ballroom with a drone port". This week we get "Let's do a UFC on the White House lawn".
Come on MAGA - which is it?” Perspective
Editor’s Note: Responding to the story, this reader questions whether concerns about Trump’s personal safety are consistent with plans to host a large-scale UFC event on White House grounds.
Reader Comment: “The Democrats are "upset" at everything Trump does. It's who they are. It's what they do. "We Hate Trump" is all they've got.” singleshot712
Editor’s Note: Taking a different approach, this reader argues that opposition to the UFC event reflects broader partisan criticism of Trump and his presidency.
Reader Comment: “I don’t believe a word they say about the funding. I’m not at all excited about the 250th, let alone the other birthday. It is a sad country, and many are embarrassed by what we have become.” rbomboy
Editor’s Note: The reader expresses skepticism about official explanations surrounding the event’s funding and disappointment with the current political climate in the U.S.
Reader Comment: “The real question is what Democrats AREN'T upset about.
Another shiny object for them to chase while Trump is busy Making America Great Again.” GigaChadMusk
Editor’s Note: This reader hits out at Democrats over their response to the UFC event, arguing critics are too focused on opposing Trump.
Reacting to Joe Rogan Bashing Trump’s UFC Event
Original Article: Joe Rogan Bashes Trump’s White House UFC Event: ‘I Don’t Like It’
Background: During an episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, Rogan slammed the President’s plan to host the UFC event. The host told his guests, "I don't like it. I don't like the idea of fighting outside at all."
Reader Comment: “Rogan dislikes it for the wrong reasons. Muhammad Ali fought in Manila and Zaire in what was two of the biggest events in boxing history. These were in tropical climates. I'm not saying it's right to do, but the real problem he should have for it is that Trump has no business throwing this event as president. It has no place on the White House grounds.” kipdrordy483
Editor’s Note: The reader argues that the main issue is not the sporting format itself, but whether it is appropriate for a UFC event to be held on White House grounds.
Do you agree with these comments? Let us know and make sure to look out for more highlighted comments.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines