Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton faced sharp criticism from Republican lawmakers and conservative figures after she objected to President Donald Trump’s UFC event at the White House.
Clinton posted on social media Sunday that the White House belongs to the American people, not the president, while promoting merchandise for candidates she supports. “Remember, during today’s literal cage match on the White House grounds: No matter what, it’s not his house. It’s our house,” she wrote.
What Happened
The UFC event took place on the White House grounds as part of celebrations marking America’s 250th anniversary and coinciding with Trump’s 80th birthday. A federal judge declined to block the event despite a last-minute lawsuit challenging its use of the presidential grounds.
Clinton had initially criticized the UFC plans last month before renewing her objections in her Sunday post. Her renewed criticism prompted immediate backlash from Republican figures and conservative organizations.
The Reaction
Republican lawmakers and conservative commentators responded by raising controversies from the Clinton administration. Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., referenced former President Bill Clinton’s relationship with White House intern Monica Lewinsky, writing that the family should not lecture about respecting the institution.
“They literally rented out the Lincoln Bedroom and don’t forget Bill’s activity in the Oval Office,” Burchett wrote. He also referenced damage and vandalism documented when the Clintons departed the White House in 2001.
Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Buzz Patterson, who carried the presidential emergency satchel during Bill Clinton’s administration, criticized Clinton’s remarks about protecting the institution. Conservative watchdog Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton referenced longstanding allegations about missing White House furniture during the Clinton years.
The Republican National Committee also responded, suggesting Clinton “sit this one out.” A Government Accountability Office review from 2001 had estimated roughly $15,000 in damage associated with the presidential transition, though Clinton supporters argued similar conduct occurred during previous administrations.
What This Means
The exchange shifted focus away from the UFC event itself and onto decades-old controversies involving the Clinton administration. Clinton’s criticism instead became the subject rather than Trump’s use of the White House grounds for the sporting event.
The incident added another chapter to the longtime political rivalry between Trump and Clinton, nearly nine years after their 2016 presidential contest. Both figures continue to generate strong reactions from supporters and critics across the political spectrum.
This story has been updated. CNN’s Political Team contributed to this report.
