Zac Brown defends national anthem role at White House UFC event: ‘Patriotism, not politics’

Country singer Zac Brown pushed back against online criticism Wednesday over his planned performance of the national anthem at the UFC Freedom 250 event on the White House lawn, saying his participation is rooted in patriotism, not partisanship.

Mr. Brown confirmed on “The Pat McAfee Show” that he will perform the national anthem alongside the Marine Band at the UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House on Sunday. 

“Man, I’m there for the troops, man. I’m there to honor America,” Mr. Brown said. “This is patriotism, not politics for me. I mean, f—- all the division. I don’t believe in that. I love this country. I love all the people that have sacrificed so that I can live my American dream.”

Mr. Brown noted that about 8,000 active service members are expected to attend the event, which is set for Sunday. He also called UFC his favorite sport and said he was grateful for the invitation from UFC President Dana White. 

“I’m so excited for this weekend. And it’s history, man, getting to be part of American history, man. Having the first sporting event that’s on the lawn of the White House. I mean, it’s an honor,” Mr. Brown said.

Preparations for the event have included the installation of a roughly 90-foot-tall steel arch, dubbed the “claw,” on the South Lawn. The match is set to coincide with Flag Day and the 250th anniversary of American independence. The card will feature fights between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje, as well as Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane, and will stream live on Paramount+.

Mr. Brown’s decision to participate stands in contrast to the growing number of artists who have withdrawn from separate Freedom 250 festivities. Bret Michaels, the frontman of rock band Poison, announced he would no longer perform at the celebration on the National Mall, saying what was initially pitched as a patriotic music festival had become increasingly divisive and raised safety concerns.

“Unfortunately, what was presented to us as a celebration of our country has evolved into something much more divisive than what I agreed to be a part of,” Mr. Michaels said, as reported by Variety. 

Country star Martina McBride announced on social media that she pulled out after learning the event carried more political weight than she had been led to believe, saying she was told it would be a nonpartisan celebration of all 50 states but that “things started changing” once the event was announced.

A lawsuit filed this month against the National Park Service and the Department of the Interior seeks to stop the UFC event via emergency injunction, alleging organizers failed to adhere to federal permitting rules and environmental review requirements.