Letters to the Editor | June 19, 2026
Inquirer readers weigh in on a UFC fight at the White House and the fallout from a U.S. attack in Iran.
Birthday spectacle
Donald Trump built an arena at the White House to stage a UFC fight on his birthday. It is an abomination, which means it is loathsome and disgusting. Not only is it disgusting to look at but also detestable for the violence and greed it displays and promotes. The “fight scape” should be revolting to those who appreciate American constitutional values.
I want to point out that the arena is an abomination in the matter of religious faith, too. Biblically speaking, an abomination was (and is) something ritually and ethically repugnant to God and to those who follow a religious path. Called “detestable things,” abominations were objects associated with idolatry and heathen deities, unclean or prohibited foods, and offensive violation of religious customs. A revolting example of this was the attempt by the Roman emperor Caligula, in 40 A.D., to have his statue erected in the temple in Jerusalem.
The arena is another effort by President Trump to spread his name, image, and likeness in areas of American public life, so he can stand foremost in the eyes of our nation’s people. His face is on banners, and his name is on buildings. He has his (blessed) statue. He’s looking for approval and idolization, but these attempts strike me more like a meandering dog profanely marking his territory.
His birthday festival usurped Flag Day. Trump appeared as the main attraction for his birthday — and he will also make July Fourth all about himself as well. His UFC fights happened. He hinted that the arena may stay up beyond that date. What for? Maybe he will try to establish new gladiatorial games holding matches between UFC champions and Mr. Trump’s “enemies.” What could be more detestable? That’s a big “thumbs down.” We already have enough bloodshed, corruption, and violence. One abomination at the White House is already too many.
The Rev. Jack McAnlis, Langhorne
Water weaponized
A reported U.S. attack on two water reservoirs in southern Iran shortly before the ceasefire was announced left 20,000 people without access to drinking water, according to the Mizan news agency in Iran. In a statement, the local Iranian water utility company said the reservoirs were “targeted and completely destroyed” in the U.S. strikes in the Bemani area of Sirik in Iran. If true, it would be a crime against humanity, something no American would want our country to do.
Andrew Mills, Lower Gwynedd
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