President Donald Trump is facing growing calls to denounce a controversial statement made by a UFC fighter during an event held on the South Lawn of the White House on Sunday, the day of the president’s 80th birthday. Fighter Josh Hokit directed a sexist, racist, and transphobic remark toward former First Lady Michelle Obama, claiming, “Michelle Obama is a man. Am I right, America?” The comment was met with laughter from parts of the audience, while Trump appeared to offer a half-smile in response.

The remark draws from disproven conspiracy theories circulating in far-right online circles, casting doubt on Michelle Obama’s gender identity. It received widespread condemnation from political figures and commentators. Donna Brazile, former interim chair of the Democratic National Committee, called the comments “vile” and emphasized that Michelle Obama’s legacy speaks for itself. Sunny Hostin, co-host of the ABC network’s The View, contextualized the insult as part of a long history of racial and gendered slurs aimed at Black women, highlighting the harmful stereotype of Black women as lacking conventional femininity.

The White House has not issued an official statement addressing the fighter’s comment or the broader controversy surrounding it.

Separately, Trump allies have been involved in a contentious renovation of the White House’s historic pool, coinciding with preparations for the United States’ 250th anniversary. The project aimed to waterproof and repaint the century-old pool, with plans to transform its color to “American flag blue.” Initially, the administration indicated the renovation would lead to the immediate removal of algae buildup. However, warmer weather conditions have resulted in a proliferation of algae, prompting concerns.

The Department of the Interior recently announced plans to install a water treatment system intended to mitigate the algae problem. While the initial projected cost for this effort was estimated at approximately $1.8 million, reports indicate the expense has escalated to over $14 million. National Park Service personnel were observed employing skimmers on Monday in attempts to clear the algae from the pool, underscoring ongoing challenges in maintaining the site.

The incidents reflect heightened scrutiny on both the social and maintenance-related aspects of the White House environment during Trump’s presidency.