Trump marks 80th birthday with UFC event and Iran truce claim
The president said an Iran agreement was complete as UFC fights took over the White House South Lawn for his birthday.
By Sofia Marchetti · World Affairs Correspondent
4 min read
President Donald Trump marked his 80th birthday Sunday with two high-profile messages from the White House: a claim of progress toward ending the Iran war and a UFC fight card on the South Lawn. The Associated Press reported that the unusual birthday event mixed diplomacy, campaign-style showmanship and combat sports at the seat of the U.S. government.
Trump said before the fights that an agreement to end the Iran conflict “is now complete,” according to AP. He also said the United States would end its blockade of Iran and that the Strait of Hormuz would reopen, though AP reported that significant terms still require negotiation in the coming weeks.
The UFC event, branded UFC Freedom 250, drew senior Republicans and administration officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and House Speaker Mike Johnson, AP reported. Polish President Karol Nawrocki also attended.
Trump and UFC President Dana White walked from the Oval Office to the Blue Room Balcony before the fights, AP reported. Fighter jets flew overhead during the national anthem, while spectators filled a temporary arena built around the Octagon under a metal structure called “The Claw.” AP said additional viewers watched from big screens on the Ellipse.
White, a longtime Trump ally, promoted the event Friday at the Lincoln Memorial, where fighters appeared for cameras ahead of the card, AP reported. The White House tied the fights to celebrations of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, while AP reported that the Group of Seven summit schedule was adjusted so Trump could attend the event before traveling to Europe.
The final bout featured lightweight fighters Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje, who entered from the Oval Office before walking to the cage, according to AP. Gaethje, an American, defeated the Spanish-Georgian Topuria after four rounds. AP reported that Trump later entered the cage, greeted fighters and watched fireworks that began after 1 a.m.
Several winning fighters thanked Trump during post-fight remarks, AP reported. Bo Nickal, after knocking out Kyle Daukaus, thanked Trump for hosting the event and called him a “special person.” Heavyweight Josh Hokit made an unfounded claim about former first lady Michelle Obama and later placed a chain around Trump’s neck, according to AP.
Rain forecasts briefly delayed the event, but AP reported that weather did not disrupt the fights. Trump watched from cageside in a suit and tie and at one point spoke with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. He wore a white USA hat during a fight between American Sean O’Malley and Canadian Aiemann Zahabi, who won and then saluted Trump, AP reported.
The birthday spectacle contrasted sharply with former President Joe Biden’s 80th birthday in 2022, which AP said was marked by a private family brunch at the White House. White House spokesperson Allison Schuster called the UFC event “one of the most entertaining nights in American history,” according to AP.
Trump is now the oldest person elected president, after Biden previously held that distinction, AP reported. A Washington Post/ABC News/Ipsos poll conducted in April found that fewer than half of U.S. adults believed Trump had the mental sharpness or physical health to serve effectively. Rep. Ronny Jackson, a Texas Republican and former White House physician, defended Trump’s health in a White House statement, saying his “stamina, focus, and strength are exceptional,” AP reported.
The event also drew questions about costs and political use of government space. Trump said UFC was paying for the event, but AP reported that the full cost has not been disclosed. In a court filing cited by AP, the National Park Service said more than $60 million and tens of thousands of labor hours went into preparations, with seven federal agencies assigning major resources and personnel.
AP also reported that UFC named World Liberty Financial as an official partner for a $250,000 athlete bonus pool for winners. The cryptocurrency company is co-owned by the Trump family and was founded with special diplomatic envoy Steve Witkoff, whose son Zach runs it, according to AP.
This story draws on original reporting from NPR.