Trump hosts UFC event on White House lawn

An event unlike any other.The excitement building in the crowd for fight night at the White House.

We're all fighters, you know, at heart.We're all, we're all champs, you know.So, I mean, we, we won back then.We're winning now.

Heavy security is noticeable at every turn, as tens of thousands of people settle in for the party.Seven match -ups under the bright lights of the claw on the White House South Lawn.A made -for -TV event to mark America's 250th anniversary and the president's 80th birthday.

It's a light on strength.Peace through strength.

Indeed, it is a projection of strength by Donald Trump at a most challenging time.His approval ratings have slumped and there are persistent questions about his age and health.A display of raw macho man athleticism is meant to counter any concerns.While the surprise announcement of a peace deal with Iran adding to the spectacle of it all.

Freedom 250 is today and Trump's birthday is today too so it's a little ironic but I think it's really that much more special.

Trump has long supported the UFC and in return the league's leaders supported his re -election bid as did many in this crowd.

Overall I think he's doing a great job.I like him.He's done fine.He's not too bad of a person in my opinion.

And to anyone who thinks this is not appropriate or controversial some here say chill out.Grow up it's not about their preference it's uh it's more their dislike of the president who's you know hosting the event and to me it's just overly politicized now ian we've been here since the fan zone opened early this afternoon and so far there have been no major security incidents it's been busy but very orderly and katie after some questions about this in the end the weather was was good Yeah, President Trump's critics trolled him online because there had been concerns a major storm could just upend things.There was a slight weather delay, but for the most part, everything is gone off as planned.

Katie Simpson in Washington.Thank you.