Joe Rogan Criticizes Trump’s UFC Event at the White House
Podcaster and mixed martial arts commentator Joe Rogan criticized President Donald Trump’s plan to hold an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event at the White House. He described this plan as “odd” during an episode of The Joe Rogan Experience. The event is set for June 14 and will include a 5,000-seat arena with an octagon-shaped cage on the South Lawn, marking the nation’s 250th anniversary and Trump’s 80th birthday.
Rogan expressed his concerns while speaking with guests Josh Thompson and “Big” John McCarthy, both MMA veterans. “The White House thing is odd,” Rogan stated. “I don’t like the idea of fighting outside at all.” Thompson concurred, recognizing potential “problems” with the unconventional setup.
Rogan noted the heat in Washington, D.C., referencing past temperatures as an issue. “The last time, like last year, same day, was 100 degrees. Hot as hell,” Rogan said. McCarthy, a veteran UFC referee, mentioned the likely insect problem due to additional lighting in the summer event.
“What are you gonna do? Like, how are you gonna stop the bugs?” Rogan asked. “I just don’t think that you should compete in a world championship fight in a non-controlled environment. Yeah, I think it should be inside an air-conditioned arena. It should be a controlled environment.” He compared it to playing a basketball championship game outdoors. “That would be crazy.”
Rogan urged the Trump administration to construct a roof over the cage being built at the White House. The event, funded with $60 million by the UFC, will include a red, white, and blue stage, a massive arch with stars and stripes, and large screens for broadcasting.
Despite endorsing Trump in the 2024 election and supporting him in his second term, Rogan has disagreed with Trump on issues like the war in Iran. He recently joined Trump in the Oval Office for an executive order signing regarding the psychedelic drug ibogaine. Prominent Democrats have criticized the planned event, arguing it blurs lines between government functions and entertainment. Trump considers it a celebration of American history.
California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office criticized the construction at the White House. Senator Adam Schiff, also from California, commented on the disparity between the event and personal financial struggles. “Trump is building a golden ballroom and for his birthday party — arranging a UFC fight on the White House grounds — while you’re fighting to pay this month’s bills,” Schiff wrote.
Representative Jared Huffman echoed these sentiments, criticizing Trump’s expenditure on the event. “You’re paying more for groceries, more for gas, more for healthcare,” Huffman wrote, highlighting frustration with the expenses related to the event.
The White House dismissed such criticisms. Spokesperson Davis Ingle labeled critics “America Last losers” and called the event a “testament to [Trump’s] vision.” Trump, undeterred, stated, “I have never seen anybody want anything so much as people want those tickets.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.