In a recent CNN discussion, former Trump aide Mike Dubke defended the planned UFC event on the White House South Lawn for President Donald Trump's 80th birthday, arguing that criticism of the event is elitist. Mixed martial arts analyst Luke Thomas expressed concerns, calling the celebration classist and highlighting the problematic union of UFC and Trump's politics. Thomas criticized the event's focus on Trump rather than the nation's 250th anniversary, suggesting it undermines the significance of the celebration. Dubke countered that the White House is 'the people's house,' but faced challenges from host Audie Cornish, who pointed out that the event appears to be more about Trump than the nation. The discussion underscored the tensions between political events and public sentiment, particularly regarding the appropriateness of such celebrations in the context of the current political climate.