Trump UFC fight live: Storms threaten White House event as president’s allies lavish him with 80th birthday wishes

UFC fighters took the stage on Saturday night for a final face-off ahead of Sunday’s historic White House card.

After locking in their weights for the media earlier that morning, the athletes stepped out at the Ellipse in front of thousands of fans. The venue is also where 85,000 ticket-holders are expected to watch Sunday’s fights live on big screens.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted a birthday greeting to Trump on Sunday, sharing a photograph of the pair clutching hands.

A new NBC News poll conducted by More Perfect shows Americans are deeply pessimistic about the nation’s future as the United States approaches its 250th birthday.

The survey of 3,000 U.S. adults indicates record-low levels of national pride and a significant decline in public trust across major institutions, including the federal government, the news media and the high-tech industry.

According to the data, 78 percent of Americans believe the American Dream is harder to attain now than it was a generation ago, representing a 9-point increase since 2016. Additionally, 58 percent of respondents believe the nation’s best days are behind it, compared to just 38 percent who see a brighter future ahead.

A weather alert is in effect for the D.C. region as an approaching cold front brings the threat of strong to severe storms late this afternoon and evening.

FOX 5 meteorologist Glenn Talbert reports that the system could bring heavy rain, gusty winds and dangerous lightning, potentially disrupting evening plans for fans heading to UFC Freedom 250 at the White House.

Attendees are advised to monitor the forecast and be prepared to move indoors quickly if storms develop.

In a brief post, Patel thanked Trump for his leadership and explicitly emphasized the president’s support for the bureau.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin joined other cabinet members in marking the president’s 80th birthday on Sunday.

“It’s the honor of my lifetime to serve in your cabinet,” Mullin wrote.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth posted a short video tribute dedicated to the president on Sunday morning.

The clip opens with footage of Trump greeting members of the military.

“We could not have a better commander-in-chief than him,” Hegseth says. “It is the honor of a lifetime to serve under you.”

After the UFC event at the White House on Sunday — which is Trump’s 80th birthday — the president is set to travel to France for the G7 Summit.

The Republican president is expected to meet with a number of foreign leaders during the multi-day trip. The Iran war, which Trump says will be soon be ended, will likely feature heavily in bilateral discussions.

The president will also have dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Palace of Versailles, U.S. officials said.

Throngs of fans gathered on the Ellipse near the White House on Saturday ahead of Sunday’s UFC event, some of them posing inside of an octagon, photos show.