Trump Floats Idea Of Leaving UFC Octagon At White House Permanently
President Donald Trump has suggested the Octagon and stage structure being built on the White House South Lawn for UFC Freedom 250 on June 14 may never be taken down, comparing it to the Eiffel Tower.
The UFC has confirmed the event is entirely privately funded, with no cost to the American taxpayer, as the promotion will cover all production and staging expenses independently. Reports indicate it will cost the UFC $60 million. Trump has been enthusiastic about the production, drawing parallels between the Octagon’s potential as a tourist attraction and one of the world’s most iconic landmarks. Given it will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Trump suggested it may remain a permanent fixture.
“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. 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,” Trump