A significant controversy erupted online following a UFC promotional event at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., on June 12, 2026.Uniformed U.S.military honor guards from the National Guard were present on the memorial steps as UFC fighters made their entrances past the statue of Abraham Lincoln.

The event was part of a larger spectacle tied to President Donald Trump's 80th birthday and the nation's 250th anniversary celebrations, with the main fights scheduled for the White House South Lawn on June 14.

Progressive commentators and some military veterans expressed strong disapproval, arguing that using ceremonial honor guards—who typically perform duties like escorting fallen service members and dignitaries—for a commercial sports event represented a misuse of military resources and disrespect to sacred traditions.Critics like commentator RosaSparks (LanaQuest) and Brian Krassenstein voiced outrage on social media, with one veteran calling it a 'disgrace.

' Supporters and event organizers framed the participation as part of patriotic festivities, noting that National Guard members were also involved in event setup.Additional details included body composition requirements for troops offered free tickets to related White House events.The incident highlights ongoing debates about the intersection of military traditions, politics, and entertainment under the current administration.

While the event proceeded amid thunderstorms in the forecast, it drew large crowds and significant media attention, underscoring deep political divisions in public perceptions of such high-profile uses of national landmarks and personnel.