Hunter Biden has inserted himself into another political controversy, this time launching a lengthy social media broadside against President Donald Trump, the UFC, and the recent Freedom 250 event held on the White House South Lawn. The post, framed as an open letter to podcast host Joe Rogan, quickly drew attention not only for its criticism of the event but also for an unexpected challenge directed at Donald Trump Jr.
The UFC Freedom 250 event was held as part of celebrations surrounding America's 250th anniversary and featured the kind of high-profile combat sports spectacle that has become synonymous with UFC president Dana White. While supporters viewed the event as a uniquely American celebration, Biden argued that staging it on White House grounds crossed a line.
“The White House does not belong to Donald Trump. It does not belong to any president. It belongs to the people,” Biden wrote.
Drawing heavily on imagery from ancient Rome, Biden claimed the event transformed the presidency into a form of imperial theater.
“To treat it as Caesar treated the Colosseum is antithetical to everything our founding fathers fought for,” he wrote. “This is not Rome. Presidents are not emperors doling out bread and circuses for the peasants.”
The former first son continued the analogy by arguing that holding a UFC event on the South Lawn projected ownership rather than stewardship of the presidency.
“By holding the event on the South Lawn, what he was saying to the rest of us is: ‘This is my house. I own it. I will do with it what I please. I’ll build a colosseum and have the gladiators fight under my gaze.’”
Despite the criticism, Biden made a point of praising both Rogan and UFC founder Dana White for building the UFC into what he called a legitimate American success story. His objection, he said, was not to mixed martial arts itself but to the decision to host the event at the White House.
He described the event as “an exhibition of imperial domination, not a celebration of our 250th anniversary as a democracy.”
The post concluded with a direct shot at the Trump family.
“The president is our servant. Not our Caesar,” Biden wrote before adding a postscript that immediately became the most talked-about part of the message.
“P.S. Cage match between me and Don. Jr? Your call on the venue. Anywhere but the South Lawn.”
The challenge quickly fueled online reactions, with supporters and critics alike debating whether Biden was serious or simply attempting to generate headlines.
Critics of Biden's remarks were quick to point out what they viewed as inconsistencies in his argument about preserving the dignity of the White House. Some referenced controversies during the Biden administration, including criticism over a Pride Month display on the Truman Balcony in 2023 and an event that drew attention after transgender social media influencers posed on White House grounds.
Those critics argued that Biden's concerns about maintaining the White House as a symbol above politics were notably absent during those episodes. Supporters, meanwhile, countered that a large-scale combat sports event on the South Lawn represented a different category entirely.