Former first lady Hillary Clinton faced swift backlash from conservative lawmakers and political figures after she criticized President Donald Trump’s decision to host a UFC event at the White House.
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 Response
Republican lawmakers and conservative commentators quickly responded to Clinton’s remarks by referencing controversies from her husband’s presidency. Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., invoked former President Bill Clinton’s relationship with White House intern Monica Lewinsky, writing “They literally rented out the Lincoln Bedroom and don’t forget Bill’s activity in the Oval Office.”
Burchett also referenced the 2001 transition period, adding “The vandalism that went on when you left was also well-documented.” A Government Accountability Office review at the time estimated roughly $15,000 in damage associated with the presidential transition, though Clinton supporters argued similar conduct had occurred during previous administrations.
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 on social media.
Conservative watchdog Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton posted that Clinton should refrain from commenting, referencing longstanding allegations. “Woman who stole White House furniture has something to say about ‘our house’,” Fitton wrote.
The UFC Event
Trump’s UFC event generated significant attention after a federal judge declined to block it 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 this week. Her comments shifted attention toward her own time in the White House rather than focusing on the event itself, as opponents revisited decades-old controversies involving the Clinton administration.
This story has been updated. CNN’s Digital team contributed to this report.
