By SUZANNE DOWNING
June 15, 2026 – Country music star Zac Brown brought a little bit of Alaska to the White House on Sunday evening when he performed the national anthem ahead of UFC Freedom 250, an event held on the White House grounds as part of President Donald Trump’s America 250 celebration. UFC Freedom 250 was a mixed martial arts competition produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship that took place on the South Lawn.
Brown, the frontman of the Grammy-winning Zac Brown Band, delivered a stirring rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” before a crowd that included President Donald Trump, members of his administration, military personnel, athletes, and invited guests gathered on the South Lawn.
The performance quickly gained attention online, with video clips circulating across social media.
The Zac Brown Band and the Armed Forces Chorus perform the National Anthem at #UFCFreedom250, followed by a massive fighter jet flyover pic.twitter.com/sn4ZXznP3F
— Jorge Bonilla (@BonillaJL) June 15, 2026
For Alaskans, Brown’s appearance carried a local connection.
While not an Alaska native, Brown owns a substantial property in Homer overlooking Kachemak Bay. The singer has spent significant time in Alaska over the years and has often spoken through his music and social media posts about his appreciation for the state’s scenery, outdoor lifestyle, and rugged independence.
His Homer property made headlines several years ago when Brown and neighboring property owners sought to limit public access near their homes along Dorothy Drive. The issue generated considerable debate in Homer.
Brown’s ties to Alaska extend beyond property ownership. The Zac Brown Band performed two sold-out concerts at Anchorage’s Alaska Airlines Center in August 2017 during the band’s “Welcome Home” tour. The group has returned to Alaska on multiple occasions since then for recreation and creative projects.
Several of Brown’s social media posts and video projects have featured Alaska landscapes, boating excursions, and studio work connected to time spent in the state. Fans have frequently noted the band’s affinity for Alaska’s wilderness and outdoor culture.
Sunday’s performance came during one of the most unusual venues ever used for a UFC event. The White House-hosted Freedom 250 celebration was designed as part of the broader America 250 festivities leading up to the nation’s 250th birthday in 2026.
As the cameras rolled and millions watched online, the singer who calls Homer home for part of the year stood on the White House grounds and delivered the national anthem before one of the most uniquely American spectacles of the summer.
Photo: Zac Brown performs the national anthem at UFC Freedom 250 on the White House grounds, June 14, 2026.
