President Donald Trump’s unprecedented Ultimate Fighting Championship, or UFC, event is scheduled to kick off on June 14, but political writer Myra Adams warned Friday that the event may very well end up occurring “at the worst possible moment.”
“For numerous reasons, this UFC event is visually inappropriate and ill-timed. First, historically, the White House grounds have been associated with peaceful endeavors, such as cultural, educational and humanitarian events, especially during special occasions,” Adams wrote in an op-ed published Friday in The Hill.
“These activities foster national wellbeing and inspire patriotism among young Americans. For Trump to proudly host bloody fights on the White House lawn is contrary to his role and to the example he should set of upholding American ideals.”
The date of the UFC event will coincide with both Flag Day, which celebrates the anniversary of the adoption of the United States’ flag, as well as Trump’s 80th birthday. The date may also inadvertently coincide with something far more serious, Adams warned.
“As the June 14 date approaches, with the arena built and press coverage growing, Americans will be more aware of this unorthodox event. A wild card for Trump is the status of the war in Iran,” she wrote.
“If our military is actively engaged in combat operations, this UFC event will occur at the worst possible moment, when real, not staged, fights are underway, and casualties are inevitable. In that scenario, might the optics be so distasteful that Trump will be pressured to cancel his UFC Flag Day birthday fight?”