The president of , is preparing to celebrate his 80th in his own special way inside his facilities, as demonstrated by the intensive construction work of a giant, temporary fighting cage, also known as a ring, in the courtyard of the presidential residence.
US President Donald Trump announced earlier this month that construction would soon begin on an outdoor mixed martial arts (MMA) venue to host a UFC fight, which is being unveiled as part of the United States’ 250th anniversary celebrations on July 4. However, the event will eventually take place on June 14, which coincides with Trump’s 80th birthday.
Feverish preparations on the South Lawn
Cranes and metal arches taller than even the White House building have already been installed on the South Lawn, while the lower part of the structure is covered in the design of the American flag. The temporary venue is expected to accommodate around 5,000 spectators.
The event offers close Trump ally and UFC CEO Dana White perhaps the best opportunity he will ever have to promote the event. White had publicly supported Trump’s re-election in 2024. At the same time, the event gives the American president a particularly useful opportunity for political visibility.
The “tough” Trump, the show and the polls
The night of the games reinforces the “tough man” image that Trump is trying to cultivate, projecting that narrative at a time when, according to polls, his political position appears weaker than ever, due to developments on the Iran front as well as the economy. His approval rating is at an all-time high, while the young male voters who helped bring him back to power appear to be drifting away.
A Harvard/IOP poll found that just 28 percent of men ages 18 to 29 now support Trump, even though 49 percent of that age group voted for him in the last election.
The UFC has released digital renderings of the venue, which show an octagonal fighting cage under metal arches, decorated with an American flag — from which some stars are said to be absent.
Construction is being undertaken by Tait, a Pennsylvania-based company that specializes in producing large live events. According to CBS affiliate WHP-TV in Harrisburg, the company has previously underwritten stage facilities for tours by top artists such as Beyoncé, Elton John and U2 at the Sphere in Las Vegas.
Do like Ike
It is not the first time that an American president has attempted, through the media, to turn his birthday into a political communication event ahead of an election. Before his 66th birthday in 1956, then-President Dwight Eisenhower, wanting to put an end to discussions about his age and health, had “invested” in a CBS special called “Ike Day.”
Trump is now 14 years older than Eisenhower was then, and faces clearly greater political attrition. However, he is attempting an even bigger communication show. According to Dana White, the president’s eldest daughter, Ivanka Trump, has taken a central role in organizing the event.
What does the program include?
According to what has become known, in the main event of the evening, the Brazilian Alex Pereira is expected to face the Frenchman Cyril Gan against the background of the UFC heavyweight title, while the match between the Georgian Ilya Topuria and the current lightweight champion Justin Gagey is of particular interest.
The events will not be limited to the UFC, as the festive program also includes an IndyCar race, with the route passing in front of the White House.
For these reasons, giant screens are to be installed in neighboring Ellipse Park to broadcast the fights live, while the UFC has announced plans to make up to 85,000 free tickets available to the public.
Donald Trump, commenting on the great demand, said that “he has never seen people want something as much as these tickets”, adding that “what will happen will be truly unique”.
