Politics
Melania Trump Set to Attend UFC Freedom 250 on President Trump’s 80th Birthday in Rare Move
Melania Trump will be present for the upcoming UFC Freedom 250 event.
The New York Post reported on Tuesday, June 9 that the first lady, 56, will be octogon-side, along with Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, and Eric and Lara Trump, for the fight, which will take place on Sunday, June 14 on the White House South Lawn.
Sources told the outlet that Donald Trump Jr. and his new wife, Bettina, will also be there, along with White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt — who’s been on maternity leave — and her husband, Nicholas Riccio.
The sporting event coincides with Flag Day and President Donald Trump’s milestone 80th birthday. It features two title fights: Ilia Topuria vs Justin Gaethje in lightweight, and Alex Pereira vs. Ciryl Gane in heavyweight.
While Melania has previously attended UFC fights, she often opts out, making this a rare appearance, the Post noted. Back in April, the Apprentice alum went to a UFC fight in Miami with Ivanka, 44, not Melania.
As Globe previously reported, the fight card “commemorates the 250th birthday of the United States with a once-in-a-generation celebration of the American fighting spirit,” per UFC’s website.
When asked by Time why he wanted to have a UFC fight serve as his birthday celebration, Donald told the outlet, “Well, No. 1, I like it,” before complimenting UFC CEO Dana White: “The job he’s done is second to none. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
According to the Post, the UFC is paying for the event.
