White House UFC Fight

As President Donald Trump prepares to host a UFC fight at the White House, his family is promoting a coin venture that puts Trump’s face on silver and gold medallions priced as high as $12,000. The timing ties the merchandise directly to an event already drawing attention for its scale, symbolism, and political overtones. The “Freedom 250”-themed coins are being sold as a collaboration between UFC and the Trump Organization, which is run by the president’s sons, Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. On the website selling them, the products are described as “Trump Coins” and are said to have been “designed by President Trump.” What Is Being Sold The lineup includes four coins, with prices ranging from a silver medallion costing nearly $250 to a gold medallion priced at $11,999.99. The most expensive version comes with a portrait of Trump and UFC chief Dana White. The Trump Organization appears to be licensing the president’s brand for the project rather than manufacturing or directly selling the coins. The website also says the products are the only officially licensed Donald J. Trump medallions on the market. Why The Project Is Drawing Attention The collaboration is the latest example of the Trump family using the president’s return to the White House to promote business ventures tied to his name. Trump’s sons have previously licensed his name for phones, fragrances, cryptocurrency, golf courses, and other products. CNN reported that the White House rejected concerns about conflict of interest. White House spokesman Davis Ingle said, “The Fake News’ continued attempts to fabricate conflicts of interest are irresponsible and reinforce the public’s distrust in what they read,” adding that “Trump only acts in the best interests of the American public.” Trump has spent weeks promoting the UFC fight and has closely overseen construction of a large staging area on the White House South Lawn called “The Claw.” The event is also being billed as part of the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, even though it will take place on Trump’s 80th birthday. The fight has already faced a lawsuit from two Virginia residents who want it stopped. They argue it will financially benefit White and Trump, citing a report from the spring that Trump bought $50,000 in stock in UFC’s parent company. The lawsuit says the event is not really a celebration of American Independence, but instead “a celebration of the UFC’s brand and the 80th anniversary of Donald Trump’s birth.” A federal judge has ordered the administration to respond by Tuesday evening. For now, the fight and the coin sales are moving ahead together, giving the White House event a commercial angle that is likely to keep drawing scrutiny as Sunday approaches. Read more at: www.cnn.com

Trump Family Pushes $12,000 UFC Coins as White House Fight Nears