Podcaster and mixed martial arts commentator Joe Rogan has expressed disapproval of President Donald Trump’s intention to host an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event at the White House. Rogan described this plan as “odd” during a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience.
The event, scheduled for June 14, aims to commemorate both the nation’s 250th anniversary and Trump’s 80th birthday. It will feature a 5,000-seat arena and an octagon-shaped cage installed on the South Lawn. Rogan finds the idea of an outdoor fight unsettling.
“The White House thing is odd,” Rogan stated, addressing his guests Josh Thompson and “Big” John McCarthy, both veterans in mixed martial arts. “I don’t like it. I don’t like the idea of fighting outside at all.”
Thompson concurred, acknowledging potential issues with this unconventional setup. Rogan continued discussing the challenges posed by the Washington, D.C. climate, noting that in June, temperatures have previously reached 100 degrees. McCarthy, a seasoned UFC referee, highlighted the need for extra lighting, which could attract insects.
Rogan believes a world championship fight should occur in a controlled environment, such as an air-conditioned arena. He urged the Trump administration to install a roof over the cage at the White House.
“Yeah, build a roof,” Rogan suggested. “Like, you’ve got all the money in the world, right?”
The event, costing $60 million and funded by the UFC, will feature a patriotic theme with a red, white, and blue stage, a large arch adorned with stars and stripes, and big screens to broadcast the matches.
Despite Rogan’s endorsement of Trump for the 2024 election and his support throughout Trump’s second term, he has disagreed with the president on various matters, including Trump’s approach to the war in Iran and federal immigration policies.
Prominent Democrats have also criticized the event, arguing that it blends official government business with campaign-style spectacle. Trump maintains it is an homage to American history. California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office remarked on the planning in a social media post, emphasizing everyday economic concerns.
Senator Adam Schiff accused Trump of being disconnected from the financial struggles faced by many Americans. He noted that while people grapple with bills, Trump focuses on extravagant birthday festivities at the White House.
Representative Jared Huffman expressed similar sentiments, criticizing the event’s expenses amid rising costs for essentials like groceries and gas. He disapproves of the construction of a 250-foot arch and a new ballroom, seeing them as wasteful in this economic climate.
The White House dismissed these criticisms, with spokesperson Davis Ingle labeling opponents as “America Last losers” who object to celebrating the nation’s greatness.
Trump remains unfazed by the public protests. He believes the demand for tickets to the event reflects its appeal.
“I have never seen anybody want anything so much as people want those tickets,” Trump stated about the anticipated event.