President Donald Trump celebrated his 80th birthday on Sunday at a transformed White House. The East Wing was demolished to make way for a ballroom, and a UFC octagon with seating was constructed for the occasion. Initially intended as temporary, Trump compared it to the Eiffel Tower, calling the White House Octagon “quite attractive” and suggesting it might never be taken down.
Event Highlights
The event, delayed due to weather, began with a military flyover as Trump and UFC CEO Dana White watched. The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and U.S. Navy Blue Angels performed during the national anthem at “UFC Freedom 250” on the South Lawn.
Trump and White walked from the Oval Office to the venue, broadcast live. Lightweight Mauricio Ruffy celebrated his victory over Michael Chandler by proposing to his girlfriend, Nadine, at the event.
Notable Moments
- Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg greeted President Trump and first lady Melania Trump during the fights.
- The official broadcast announced fighters would be paid in crypto from the Trump family's crypto company.
- A screen showed Trump walking with Dana White during the event.
- UFC CEO Dana White and boxer Tyson Fury spoke with Trump.
- Fans watched the featherweight bout between Diego Lopes and Steve Garcia on a big screen at the Fan Fest in Washington, D.C.
- Trump shook hands with Bo Nickal at the middleweight fight.
- Fans endured high temperatures at the Fan Fest on the White House Ellipse.
