Trump plans White House UFC event as polls and GOP worries rise
The president is leaning on sports spectacles and patriotic events as questions about age, approval ratings and the Iran war follow him.
By Maya Lindqvist · Senior Technology Correspondent
3 min read
President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday has become a public test of his effort to show stamina and control as his political position weakens. Bloomberg reported that the moment comes months before midterm elections, with Republicans concerned about his polling, resistance from some GOP lawmakers and voter unease over prices and foreign policy.
Trump was set to host a $60 million Ultimate Fighting Championship event on the White House South Lawn on Sunday night, according to Bloomberg. The event follows a string of appearances at major sports venues, including an NBA Finals game at Madison Square Garden earlier in the week, and a planned rally on the National Mall for the country’s 250th anniversary.
Bloomberg described the schedule as part of an effort by Trump to place himself at the center of American popular culture. The political risk is that the pageantry is unfolding while his administration deals with an unpopular war with Iran, higher inflation readings and signs of declining support beyond his core voters.
Trump has publicly projected confidence, but Bloomberg cited a person close to the White House who said the president has grown more frustrated in private. The person requested anonymity to discuss internal White House dynamics.
Some events have shown the limits of the image-building push. Bloomberg reported that the crowd at Madison Square Garden booed Trump when he appeared on the arena screen, though Trump later said he heard “mostly cheers.” Bloomberg also reported that Trump announced the 250th anniversary rally after musical performers withdrew from planned events, citing their political nature.
Trump is only the second sitting U.S. president to turn 80, according to Bloomberg, which has added attention to his age and physical condition. Presidential historian Douglas Brinkley told Bloomberg that Trump is trying to counter public assumptions about being 80 by associating himself with golf, wrestling, auto racing and the Knicks game.
The White House has rejected criticism of the sports-heavy schedule. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt told Bloomberg that Trump “naturally projects strength every day” by leading the country and said the UFC event reflects his interest in sports.
Advisers have also pushed back on questions about Trump’s health after his recent physical, Bloomberg reported. Communications Director Steven Cheung posted on social media that Trump was still in the Oval Office working at 9:30 p.m. on a Saturday.
The UFC setup itself has drawn attention. Organizers told Bloomberg that a structure called “the Claw” rises nearly 100 feet over the South Lawn and includes seating for 4,300 guests. ESPN previously reported on the event logistics, according to Bloomberg.
The political backdrop remains difficult. A Reuters/Ipsos poll cited by Bloomberg found 35% of adults approved of Trump’s performance, while 63% disapproved. Bloomberg reported that polls continue to show concern about prices and the cost of living.
Trump has also faced criticism over his handling of the Iran war and economic concerns tied to it. Bloomberg reported that when asked about oil prices, Trump said they would fall if a pending deal were signed in the coming days.
Trump has acknowledged he cannot run for a third term, while continuing to tease the idea, Bloomberg reported. Brinkley told Bloomberg that Trump will resist any perception that he is a lame duck, even if Democrats win one or both chambers of Congress in November.
This story draws on original reporting from Fortune.