Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton faces backlash after criticizing President Donald Trump’s White House UFC event, prompting Republican lawmakers and conservative figures to invoke past controversies from the Clinton administration.
Clinton posted on social media Sunday that the White House “is not his house” but “our house” while promoting merchandise for candidates and organizations she said would respect the institution. “Remember, during today’s literal cage match on the White House grounds: No matter what, it’s not his house. It’s our house,” Clinton wrote.
The Backlash
Republican lawmakers and conservative commentators quickly responded to Clinton’s remarks. Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., referenced former President Bill Clinton’s relationship with White House intern Monica Lewinsky in his criticism.
“They literally rented out the Lincoln Bedroom and don’t forget Bill’s activity in the Oval Office,” Burchett wrote. “The vandalism that went on when you left was also well-documented.” Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Buzz Patterson, who carried the presidential emergency satchel during the Clinton administration, posted that he had “carried the nuclear football for your husband inside that ‘people’s house’ you’re suddenly so precious about.”
Conservative watchdog Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton referenced longstanding allegations about the Clintons’ departure from the White House. “Woman who stole White House furniture has something to say about ‘our house’,” Fitton wrote on social media.
Historical Context
The criticism centered on events from when the Clintons left office in 2001. A Government Accountability Office review at the time estimated roughly $15,000 in damage associated with the presidential transition.
According to reports, the GAO found that some incidents appeared to be intentional pranks, while Clinton supporters argued similar conduct had occurred during previous administrations and that overall damage had been exaggerated. The Lincoln Bedroom had also become controversial during the Clinton administration after reports that major political donors had been invited to stay there.
The UFC Event
Trump’s UFC event drew its own controversy before Clinton’s remarks. A federal judge declined to block the event from proceeding despite a last-minute lawsuit challenging its use of White House grounds.
The event was organized as part of celebrations surrounding America’s 250th anniversary and coincided with Trump’s 80th birthday. Clinton first criticized the UFC plans last month before renewing her objections with her social media post.
This story has been updated. CNN’s Digital team contributed to this report.
