Federal Judge Rejects Legal Effort to Cancel White House's Highly Anticipated Ultimate Fighting Championship Event
A federal judge has ruled that the White House can host an Ultimate Fighting Championship event on the South Lawn this weekend. U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta rejected a lawsuit brought by two Virginia residents who claimed the Trump administration's authorization for the event was unlawful.
The plaintiffs alleged that the event violated National Park Service regulations and lacked a necessary environmental review. However, Judge Mehta found that they failed to establish standing and irreparable harm, as they were not directly affected by the event.
The judge also noted that cancelling the event at the last minute would cause substantial harm due to the significant planning, costs, and labor invested in the project. The Department of Justice argued that the authorization for the event was lawful, comparable to other events held on the South Lawn, such as the Easter Egg Roll and state dinners.
Lawyers for the Public Integrity Project had described the event as a "corrupt spectacle" that would mark an inflection point in American history if allowed to proceed. The event is scheduled to include a press conference at the Lincoln Memorial, a ceremonial weigh-in and concert at the Ellipse, and the fight on the South Lawn.
The plaintiffs alleged that the event violated National Park Service regulations and lacked a necessary environmental review. However, Judge Mehta found that they failed to establish standing and irreparable harm, as they were not directly affected by the event.
The judge also noted that cancelling the event at the last minute would cause substantial harm due to the significant planning, costs, and labor invested in the project. The Department of Justice argued that the authorization for the event was lawful, comparable to other events held on the South Lawn, such as the Easter Egg Roll and state dinners.
Lawyers for the Public Integrity Project had described the event as a "corrupt spectacle" that would mark an inflection point in American history if allowed to proceed. The event is scheduled to include a press conference at the Lincoln Memorial, a ceremonial weigh-in and concert at the Ellipse, and the fight on the South Lawn.
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