France has postponed the 2026 Group of Seven summit by one day following U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement that he plans to host a major UFC event at the White House on June 14, according to reports citing government officials. The summit will now be held from June 15 to June 17 in Évian-les-Bains, instead of the originally scheduled June 14 to June 16.
The G7 summit brings together leaders from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States to address issues ranging from global economic stability to international security and major geopolitical developments. The original dates coincided with June 14, which marks both U.S. Flag Day and Trump’s 80th birthday.
According to Politico, officials familiar with the discussions said G7 partners agreed to adjust the schedule to avoid a conflict with Trump’s planned appearance in Washington. French outlet La Messager was the first to publicly question whether the timing change was connected to the president’s White House plans.
French President Emmanuel Macron’s office later confirmed the revised dates, stating the change was “the result of our consultations with G7 partners.” While the statement did not directly mention the UFC event, a White House official told Politico that Trump’s attendance at the summit was viewed as essential.
Trump first revealed the UFC plans during an October address in Norfolk, Virginia, saying, “On June 14, next year, we’re going to have a big UFC fight at the White House, right at the White House grounds.” He later expanded on the idea in December at the Kennedy Center Honors, telling reporters the event would feature “eight or nine championship fights.”
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The president also said an arena is being built in front of the White House with seating for 5,000 to 6,000 people, while up to 100,000 spectators would be able to watch the fights on the South Lawn via 10 huge screens. Moreover, the event has been billed as part of celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of America’s founding.
Dana White Outlines How UFC Crowds Reinforce Donald Trump’s Public Standing
UFC president Dana White recently discussed the role UFC fans play in supporting U.S. President Donald Trump during an appearance on The Stephen A. Smith Show. White framed his comments around the pressure Trump faces from sustained media criticism and how live UFC events provide a contrasting public response.
“And every station except for Fox is saying he’s a horrible human being basically, right?” White said, pointing to what he described as a hostile media environment.
He added that such coverage can create moments of uncertainty, explaining, “There has to be those days where you wake up, and you’re just like, you know, what am I doing? Am I doing the right thing?”
White said UFC events offer a different experience altogether. He explained that Trump’s reception inside arenas reflects a consistent reaction from fans rather than isolated support.
He explained, “And I think that every time if he ever felt that way, he would come to a UFC event and he would walk out of that tunnel. And I’m telling you in all the years that I’ve been in the fight business, the entertainment, I’ve never seen anything like it.”
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According to White, the response is repeated city after city and is not limited by geography or a specific market. He compared the experience to a video game recharge, saying it reinforces a broader sense of public backing.
