Former first lady Hillary Clinton faced swift conservative criticism after objecting to a UFC event at the White House, with Republican lawmakers invoking controversies from the Clinton administration.
Clinton posted on social media Sunday opposing President Trump’s decision to host a mixed martial arts event on the White House grounds, stating the building belongs to the American people rather than to any individual president. She promoted merchandise supporting candidates and organizations she said would protect the institution’s integrity.
The Immediate Response
“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 on her limited-reply post.
Republican lawmakers and conservative commentators quickly responded by referencing controversies from her husband’s presidency. Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., invoked former President Bill Clinton’s affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky and referenced the Lincoln Bedroom donor controversy. “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 on social media.
Historical Controversies Resurface
Conservative watchdog Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton referenced allegations about items removed from the White House after the Clintons departed in 2001. “Woman who stole White House furniture has something to say about ‘our house’,” Fitton posted.
A Government Accountability Office review completed in 2001 estimated roughly $15,000 in damage during the presidential transition. The report found some incidents appeared intentional, though Clinton supporters argued similar conduct occurred during other administrations and damage estimates were exaggerated.
The official Republican Party account responded by suggesting Clinton “sit this one out” of the debate.
The UFC Event Context
Trump’s UFC event proceeded after a federal judge declined to block it despite a last-minute legal challenge to its use of White House grounds. The event coincided with Trump’s 80th birthday and celebrations marking America’s 250th anniversary.
Clinton first criticized the UFC plans last month before renewing her objections Sunday. Her latest comments redirected attention toward her own administration rather than focusing on whether mixed martial arts belonged on the White House lawn.
This story has been updated. CNN’s Digital team contributed to this report.
