White House UFC Fight Draws Musk, Rogan, and Business Elite

Trump has a long history with the UFC. He hosted events at his hotels and casinos in the 2000s, and White has credited Trump with helping legitimize the sport during its early days on cable television. The relationship deepened during Trump's first term, when he invited UFC fighters to the White House and appeared at events.

The fight itself ended in a second-round knockout, with the winner dedicating the victory to Trump. The president watched from a ringside seat alongside first lady Melania Trump, who wore a black dress and sunglasses as the sun set over the National Mall.

Critics questioned the use of the White House for a commercial sporting event. "The South Lawn is not a venue for pay-per-view entertainment," said Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland, the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee. "This raises questions about the line between official White House business and private promotion."

The White House did not respond to a request for comment on the event's cost or whether taxpayer funds were used. The UFC said it covered production expenses, though security and grounds preparation were handled by federal staff.

For the business leaders in attendance, the fight offered a chance to network in an unusual setting. Several attendees described the atmosphere as relaxed compared to formal White House dinners, with guests mingling freely between bouts. One tech executive said the event felt "more like a private party than a state function."

No date has been set for a follow-up event. White said the UFC would be "happy to come back anytime" if invited.