What a difference an election makes. In June 2023, President Joe Biden disgraced the White House by hosting an LGBTQ+ “pride” event that devolved into disgraceful scenes of lewdness and degeneracy capped off by a transgender activist exposing himself on the South Lawn. Fast forward to June 2026, and President Donald Trump orchestrated one of the most iconic – and patriotic – moments in American sports history on that same ground.
Stormy conditions initially threatened to derail the event, but in a minor meteorological miracle – or an act of Providence – the clouds parted following a delay of about an hour. Despite the looming threat of rain, a reported 80,000 spectators gathered on the Ellipse just south of the White House to watch a livestream of the fights.
The sports media will undoubtedly deliver plenty of analysis on the outcome of the fights and what the event meant for the UFC – a sport that has exploded in popularity in recent years. The monumental upset victory for the American Justin Gaethje over the undefeated Ilia Topuria in the main event to become the new lightweight world champion was a fitting capstone on the night, drawing chants of “USA! USA! USA!” from the crowd.
But the results inside the ring aside, it’s worth taking a step back and appreciating what Trump – ever the showman and entertainer – delivered for the country. Even before the first punches were thrown, the lead-up to the event produced multiple images that undoubtedly will live on as some of the greatest from this semiquincentennial year – including a dramatic shot of the Washington Monument with a brilliant rainbow and lightning bolt in the background.
Throughout American history, sports are one of the few things that have always brought the country together. While the UFC draws its athletes from all over the world and has an international following, it is a uniquely American sport – gritty, raw, and defined by toughness and resilience. (And to those critics of fighting at the White House, don’t forget that President Theodore Roosevelt famously engaged in boxing and wrestling matches with just about anyone who would accept his challenge – including one match that left him mostly blind in his left eye.)
But more than that, the fight night was just plain cool. From the jaw-dropping flyover to the military band, spectacular light shows, and thrilling bouts, it was impossible for any objective viewer to not be awed by the scene and feel a sense of pride in being part of the country that puts on such an event as part of its 250th birthday celebration. Great nations and cultures produce great sporting spectacles just like they produce great buildings, art, and literature. Sunday’s event was such a spectacle.
Even some of Trump’s critics couldn’t help but be impressed. “Gotta be honest, this UFC event at the White House looks spectacular,” ESPN host Stephen A. Smith wrote on X. “This is a big time show. I’m not there, and we all know all the complaints folks had about renovations at and around the White House, etc, but — to be fair — this is some impressive stuff I’m looking at.”
Many Trump-hating liberals, of course, still devolved into their usual fits of performative outrage. The “No Kings” organizers even held a horrifically cringe-worthy event called “Rise Up, Sing Out” in protest of the UFC event. But they only succeed in earning mockery online and proving yet again why normal people simple aren’t buying what the Trump Derangement Crowd is selling. The modern left is, for lack of a better term, lame. Who wants to join the side that throws a temper tantrum over an electric sporting event that looks awesome?
If Sunday’s UFC event was any indication of things to come for Trump’s commemoration of America’s semiquincentennial, then the country is in for a truly historic and worthy celebration in the weeks ahead.
Shane Harris is the Editor-in-Chief of AMAC Newsline. You can follow him on X @shaneharris513.
I think it is awesome to celebrate our USA milestone. It is not possible to make everyone happy. Democrats didn’t provide basic necessities when they were in office, in fact they recently took advantage of the homeless by paying them two to five dollars tro vote in California, not improving their circumstances. How is it bad to give us some fun, and a sports spectacular? It didn’t cost us tax payers even one penny as the UFC paid for all the construction that was needed for this event. Thank you President Donald J. Trump for the clelbration, and thank you Shane Harris for this article.
Teddy Roosevelt brought a ciircus to the White House. President Trump works hard – let him have some entertainment, w/out
whining.
Thankful for a beautiful visionary president that lifts this Nation up vs. the squaller of lewd incompetent disgrace.
Trump does not need this job. He loves America and is determined, like Teddy Roosevelt to bring strength to America, while removing frauds.
I love america
Way past time, to care/compare what a dem might think about ANYTHING..Who cares, as they have shown their hatred and ignorance about EVERYTHING AMERICAN….from the founding of this nation to its present day values..WHICH they try to ERODE with THEIR ‘point of view” ..which is inspired by ‘EVIL’, IF you look into it deeply…GOD is still around to be refound by the dems IF they so choose, with their GOD given ‘free will’..again they choose evil over Good, as THEIR actions and words indicate.
And President Trump’s 80th birthday was this weekend as well. For someone “into” sports, what a way to celebrate and invite the nation to celebrate with him. HAPPY 80TH PRESIDENT TRUMP!!!!
I’m not even a UFC fan but I was so inspired watching the President walk out, hearing the National Anthem, watching the fly over and seeing the excitement of the crowd and the fighters. Americans excited about America is so wonderful!
Love, love, love our president. Who cares what the haters think. They just need to SHUT-UP!!
If members of various military branches and members of police forces were to demonstrate the ways people could defend themselves if unarmed and attacked that would be something worthwhile ,it would be in the interest of learning about the art of self defense.And it would connect with the America 250 observations by comparing ways of self defense in the 1700’s and now. I feel great having been a Reagan Conservative since 1981 .Ideas about growing food, making clothes and building cabins pertain to developing skills needed to h doave more things made here in the United States of America and not in foreign countries.And another reason has to do with emergency preparation in the event of an attack or a major disaster of some sort . If a large number of Americans have grown up influenced by the internet and have very little or no mechanical skills that is not a good situation And it is not in any way in the spirit of what America 250 is all about. So this America 250 time presents a great opportunity to develop skills , to value what Independence is all about
Another great example of basic necessity history would be how the Philadelphia water works system developed .In 1815 Philadelphia had a water works system that was the most advanced anywhere in the Country. Knowledge of things like that fits in well with the whole America 250 spirit . God bless America,land of the free and home of the brave ! Again, it is a great feeling to have been a Reagan Conservative since 1981 ! I’m ready to go another 45 years thinking that way . The Principles of Faith, Family and Freedom should be at the foundation of any America 250 event .
S P. E. C. T. A. C. U. L A. R. !!!!!!! ???? HAPPY BIRTHDAY DJT!!! YOU REALLY KNOW HOW TO PUT ON A CELEBRATION!!!! GOD BLESS YOU!!! GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!! USA USA USA ???????? AMEN MAGA MAGA MAGA
I am thinking that it it would be a good idea to have displays of how to go about providing three basic necessities – food , clothing and shelter. An event like that could start with building a cabin , similar to what was built during the 1700’s ,however modern tools and hardware could be used . Carpenters in the 1700’s probably would have appreciated plywood a great deal. Next , food growing methods , could be discussed and seed planting demonstrated. Then making clothes without a sewing machine ,methods of using needle and thread to do that would be demonstrated. Reference to the ways things like that were done during the 1700’s would be frequent throughout each demonstration.The historical connection would be clear and understood . In the spirit of Faith, Family and Freedom.
Theodore Roosevelt was also taking Judo/Jiu Jitsu lessons in the White House as well. He in his prime was certainly one of our toughest presidents ever!
Weather an act of Providence?? That was an act of God making sure that President Trump was successful in his endeavor to celebrate sports and 250 years of freedom.
God loves President Trump because Trump praises God, holds prayer meetings with his staff. Republicans are the party of peace, reason, and love of country.
Yay! Thank you, Shane
Donald Trump having rudder problems? Really ? I encourage anyone to (try)to do his job all the while being hounded, harassed and called everything in the book (11 years) doing what he promised to the people that voted for him. Why is that ? Not to mention the assassination attempts on his life and the people who did get killed just being there supporting Trump. Better enjoy while you can, if dems reclaim the office, plan on more destruction of this country and the rights Trump is trying to retain in this Republic. Kackle knows only one thing, B.S. and alcohol. We all dodged a bullet.
I didn’t see it as I fell asleep early. I thought it was odd but would be entertainment for folks. As long as tax payers aren’t on the hook, I’d be o.k. for other events. How about an old-timey White House televised circus? The groundskeepers could collect up all the animal manure, compost it and use it to keep the grounds fertilized! I went to a “dog and pony” show one time at a low budget traveling circus one time. It was very entertaining too and enjoyed it. Under a tent which one doesn’t see anymore. Had one Indian elephant and I guessed her age to within two years with the handler. I like elephants, read up on them and knew what to look for. Paid a modest fee and my young daughter and I took a ride with a mahout. Yeah, they had a stair arrangement to climb on.
Oh, “dog and pony show” became show biz slang for a low budget circus or show presentation. I confirmed it with a “real” ringmaster Harold Ronk. You can google him as he was quite a guy.
These lib pigs cry democracy, but at the same time take ours away. Democracy prevailed when Trump was elected. 11 years of whining because they know their time is limited. The lefties will go down in history as the most corrupt party ever.
Agree with Bob L. He needs to spend more time getting government out of people’s lives by lowering taxes and cutting regulations and less on sideshows. That would not only help his presidency but put the GOP in a better position come 2028.
To be honest, I am now, not impressed with some things Donald Trump is doing and putting on a sideshow on the White House South lawn is one.
The JOB he has been entrusted with by the voters requires steady, straight forward leadership. He now seems to be having “rudder” problems in some of his policy making, both here and abroad.