US President Donald Trump, ahead of the UFC fight in front of the White House, which will take place on his birthday on June 14, decided to remind TikTok subscribers of the history of the Eiffel Tower in Paris (France). According to the Republican, the arena currently under construction for the fight between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje could similarly forever remain a Washington landmark.
The Eiffel Tower in Paris was created by designer Gustave Eiffel in 1889 as an exhibit for the Universal Exhibition. The 330 m (1,083 ft) tall structure, then the tallest in the world, was not demolished as planned in the early 20th century, in part because it was used in radio transmission.
Trump said on TikTok that “not many people know” about the story. The US President did not mention that a practical use had been found for the tower, noting only that it was “loved” by the residents of Paris and was not dismantled.
“We have something under construction that many people find attractive. There will be a big UFC fight there on June 14th. And I look at the building and think that maybe we will never tear it down,” Trump said, narrowing his eyes ironically and pursing his lips.
@realdonaldtrump MAYBE WE'LL NEVER EVER TAKE IT DOWN
♬ original sound — President Donald J Trump
Trump previously said the venue the UFC is building next to his official residence will be able to accommodate up to 5,000 spectators. The event, he said, will therefore become “the largest in the history of the White House.” The mixed-style fight is formally timed to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the United States and Flag Day, but coincides with Trump's 80th birthday.
As USA Today notes, the height of the structure on which lighting and other equipment for the fight and its broadcast will be suspended is 90 feet (27.4 m), which is 20 feet (almost 6.5 m) higher than the White House. Organizers and media nicknamed the structure “The Claw” because of its appearance.
The publication believes that Trump's remarks on social networks are intended to “prick” his opponents, who had previously criticized and tried to block his other construction projects in Washington, in particular the construction of the White House ballroom and the Arc de Triomphe.
By the way, at the end of May, Trump’s opponent in the 2016 election, Hillary Clinton, spoke negatively about the appearance of “Claw” near the presidential residence.
“This is what Trump is doing to the people's house – one third is in ruins and the other is reserved for cage fighting. What a metaphor,” the democrat wrote on the social network X (formerly Twitter).
