U.S. President Donald Trump visited a mixed martial arts UFC venue for the first time since taking office on Dec. 12.
According to foreign media, including the Associated Press, President Trump watched the UFC championship at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, on that afternoon. Dressed in a dark suit with a yellow tie, he shook hands with supporters and raised his fist.
Prominent figures also attended the event, including Elon Musk, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Tesla, Marco Rubio, Secretary of State, Tulsi Gabbard, Director General of National Intelligence (DNI), and Robert Kennedy Jr., Minister of Health and Welfare, among others.
President Trump entered the venue with guidance from UFC CEO Dana White. Podcaster Joe Rogan, who interviewed him during the presidential campaign, was also present. Given that Trump has borrowed from UFC's staging and musical style for political rallies, this visit is interpreted as a 'political message.' He had also visited UFC shortly after the presidential election last November.
The New York Times (NYT) referred to President Trump's attendance at the UFC that day as 'a scene symbolizing his approach to implementing promises on immigration and crime in a bold and brazen manner that showcases power,' noting that 'the pro-Trump ecosystem that helped his bid for re-election was also visible.'
On that day, President Trump sparked controversy by seemingly ignoring a handshake from Kennedy Jr.'s wife. As Trump approached, he did shake hands with Minister Kennedy, but a video captured what appeared to be him ignoring the outstretched hand of his wife, Cheryl Hines, who is known to be a Democrat supporter and opposed her husband’s declaration of support for Trump after he withdrew from the independent presidential race.
As this scene spread primarily on social media, there was speculation that President Trump intentionally snubbed Hines.