“A free people must be governed by the law and not by the whims of men.” When on July 4, 1776, USA declared his independencethe founding fathers of the republic warned that their freedom depended on the election of “upright leaders” and a democratic system with counterweights to “prevent abuse of power“.
250 years Later, the great American power contemplates divided how the celebration of that historical milestone has been overshadowed by the ego of its presidentthe first not to admit an electoral defeat in more than a century. Donald Trump will celebrate this Sunday his 80th birthday with a day of fights mixed martial artsa massive spectacle that will cost more than 60 million dollars and will be televised. To this end, his Government has had a 28-meter-high octagonal steel cage erected in the gardens of the White Housemore specifically in the south wing, next to the Monument to Abraham Lincoln. The Georgian-Spanish fighter Ilia Topuria will participate in one of the combats.
While his predecessor, Joe Bidenopted for an intimate family breakfast, Trump intends to merge his birthday with the founding anniversary of USAthus linking their identity to that of the nation. Hence the event has been shamelessly named UFC Freedom 250. The formula chosen by the current president is more linked to his strident, provocative and controversial style. The Secretary of State, Marco Rubiohas described the event as “a gift to the American people.”
Polarization and complaints
Once again, Trump’s decision has accentuated the deep polarization that fragments the country. 51% of Americans disapprove of this particular celebration, while only 27% view it favorably, according to a recent YouGov survey. On Wednesday, the lawn of the National Mall in Washington was marked with the numbers 8647, a slogan that means canceling—or even killing—Trump, the 47th president.
The unrest is such that, in recent days, the case has reached court. A group of plaintiffs has asked Justice to suspend the event, alleging that sports events are prohibited in the White House, that the structure deployed on the south lawn lacks approval from the Congress and that public monuments “should not lend themselves to private exploitation.” “It would be as easy as just looking away for the weekend,” Trump replied mockingly.
Millionaire Dana White, a Trump ally and president and CEO of the martial arts organization Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), watches the preparations for the event. / Brendan Smialowski / AFP
Trump ally
The event that this Sunday will transform the US presidential headquarters into the scene of bare-knuckle combat has been organized by the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the world’s leading mixed martial arts body. Its president and CEO, the billionaire Dana Whitehas been a personal friend of the president since 2000, when the championship held the first official event in its history in one of the casino-hotels he owns. The White House assures that the UFC will fully pay the 60 million budgeted for the day.
In 2016, Congress created a nonpartisan, nonprofit group to fund events related to the 250th anniversary of the country’s declaration of independence. Trying to hijack the celebrations, Trump created Freedom 250a controversial public-private partnership that organizes side events. It is financed by federal contractors and companies related to the president such as Palantircornerstone of the state surveillance apparatus; Oracleproperty of the tycoon Larry Ellison; or the arms giant Lockheed Martin.
Trump’s ambition has also aroused the rejection of many celebrities. And among the 4,000 people who will attend the presidential garden in person to follow the fighting, among them 1,000 soldiers, there will not be personalities such as Adam Sandler, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson o Jared Letowho have declined the invitation extended by the UFC. Other guest stars such as the former NFL player Tom Bradythe actor Jason Statham or the film director Guy Ritchie They could also be missing.
