Trump suggests UFC White House fight structure should become a permanent landmark

President Donald Trump has suggested the arena structure being erected on the White House lawn for next Sunday’s UFC event should never be taken down, comparing it to the Eiffel Tower in a video posted to TikTok.

“We’re building something in front of the White House that’s quite attractive to a lot of people,” Trump said. “It’s going to have the big UFC fight on June 14. And I’m looking at it and maybe we’ll never, ever take it down.”

Trump drew a parallel to the Eiffel Tower, which he said was built for the 1889 World’s Fair and intended for demolition immediately afterwards before Paris ultimately chose to keep it. The comparison is partly inaccurate: the tower was not scheduled for removal immediately after the fair but rather in 1909, twenty years later. Its permanent status was ultimately secured by its practical value as a wireless broadcasting antenna, not sentiment alone.

Construction of the White House fight venue is already underway, though several logistical details are still being finalised ahead of the June 14 card.

The event itself carries significant sporting weight. The main event is a lightweight title unification bout between champion Ilia Topuria and interim champion Justin Gaethje. In the co-main event, former two-division champion Alex Pereira attempts to become the first fighter in UFC history to win titles in three separate weight classes, challenging Ciryl Gane for the vacant interim heavyweight belt.