A federal judge has cleared the way for UFC Freedom 250, the mixed‑martial‑arts showcase scheduled on the White House South Lawn for President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday. The ruling comes after the Public Integrity Project sought an emergency restraining order, claiming the event violated National Park Service rules. Judge Amit P. Mehta dismissed the claim, finding no risk of irreparable harm.

Plaintiffs filed their suit on 7 June 2026, more than two weeks after visible preparations began, undermining their argument of imminent damage. Mehta noted the temporary claw‑shaped arena posed “doubtful” environmental risk. UFC has poured roughly $60 million into the spectacle, headlined by lightweight champion Ilia Topuria versus interim champion Justin Gaethje, with Ciryl Gane meeting Alex Pereira in the co‑main.

White House officials dismissed the case as “obstructionist” and “baseless,” insisting the fight will become a historic moment in the nation’s semiquincentennial celebrations. The bout marks the first professional live sporting event ever staged on White House grounds, a precedent that could reshape how the executive residence is used for high‑profile entertainment. Security costs are covered by the federal budget, adding another layer of scrutiny.