Hillary Clinton faced criticism from Republican lawmakers after posting on social media to oppose President Donald Trump’s UFC event at the White House.
Clinton renewed her objections to the mixed martial arts event on Sunday, writing that the White House “is not his house. It’s our house” while promoting merchandise for candidates and organizations she said would respect the institution. The post drew swift responses from conservative figures who referenced controversies from the Clinton administration.
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What Clinton Said
“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. She encouraged supporters to purchase merchandise to support groups and candidates who would “respect the form and the function of the people’s house.”
Clinton had first criticized the UFC event last month before renewing her opposition Sunday through the social media post.
The Republican Response
Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., referenced former President Bill Clinton’s relationship with White House intern Monica Lewinsky while responding to Hillary Clinton’s remarks. “They literally rented out the Lincoln Bedroom and don’t forget Bill’s activity in the Oval Office,” Burchett wrote.
Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Buzz Patterson, who carried the nuclear football during the Clinton administration, also criticized the former first lady. “I was the Air Force lieutenant colonel who carried the nuclear football for your husband inside that ‘people’s house’ you’re suddenly so precious about,” Patterson wrote.
Conservative watchdog Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton posted that “Woman who stole White House furniture has something to say about ‘our house.” The official Republican Party account called on Clinton to “sit this one out.”
Past Controversies Resurface
Critics referenced longstanding allegations of damage and missing items after the Clintons left the White House in 2001. A Government Accountability Office review at the time estimated roughly $15,000 in damage associated with the presidential transition.
Clinton supporters argued similar conduct had occurred during previous administrations and that overall damage had been exaggerated.
The UFC Event
Trump’s UFC event proceeded after a federal judge declined to block it 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.
Supporters described the event as a unique celebration featuring one of the president’s favorite sports, while critics questioned whether a mixed martial arts event belonged on the White House lawn.
Shifting the Debate
Clinton’s comments shifted attention away from the UFC event itself, with opponents instead revisiting decades-old controversies involving the Clinton administration. The exchange added another chapter to the long-running political rivalry between Trump and Clinton, nearly a decade after their 2016 presidential contest.
This story has been updated. CNN’s reporting contributed to this report.