Donald Trump says the massive UFC Freedom 250 stage rising on the White House lawn might not be a temporary addition.
The large structure, nicknamed “The Claw,” is being built on the South Lawn to host UFC Freedom 250 on Sunday, June 14th. It is designed to provide proper lighting for the fights while keeping sight lines clear so the White House can be seen at all angles.
Trump has faced criticism over the appearance of the White House amid construction of the UFC stage and other work, with one critic saying the property had been “taken over by meth heads.” In response, Trump compared the project to a famous landmark overseas.
“Many don’t know that in Paris, France, the Eiffel Tower, 1889, it was built, it was supposed to be taken down immediately after the World’s Fair,” Trump said, before adding, “And then they said, ‘You know, we sort of like it. Let’s leave it up a little bit longer!’ And then they said, ‘Let’s leave it up longer and longer and longer.’”
“Well, they never took it down. And, you know, we’re building something in front of the White House that’s quite attractive to a lot of people. 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!”
According to the article, construction on “The Claw” began last week after months of planning by UFC president Dana White. The event is scheduled for the White House South Lawn, with the east wing already torn down for a future bunker or ballroom, further fueling criticism of the site’s current look.
