Donald Trump makes surprise appearance at UFC 309 with Elon Musk, other cabinet nominees

By: Shawn
Donald Trump and some of his controversial cabinet nominees made a surprise cameo at UFC 309 on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden.

Joe Rogan and Donald Trump.
Sarah Stier/Getty Images

While Trump has previously attended fights in the octagon, Saturday's participation was his first since becoming president-elect.

Just before 10 p.m. ET, Trump entered the New York City arena with UFC CEO Dana White, who has been a close ally of the president-elect throughout his 2024 election campaign, which culminated in his victory over Kamala Harris earlier this month.

Elon Musk, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., his son Donald Trump Jr., and artist Kid Rock followed behind.

Earlier this week, Trump selected Kennedy as his nominee to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Musk, along with Vivek Ramaswamy, was also named to run Trump's newly established Department of Government Efficiency.

After stepping out, Trump went up to Joe Rogan, host of The Joe Rogan Experience podcast and an outspoken fan of the former president, and hugged him. Rogan also gives commentary for the UFC. In addition, Trump appeared on his show last month.

Shortly after, the Jumbotron aired what can only be characterized as a Trump hype reel for everyone in attendance to see. After that, they played the song "Y.M.C.A.," to which Trump was spotted dancing before taking his seat next to Musk and Kid Rock.

The day before the UFC fight, speculations circulated about whether Trump might make an appearance. When pressed to confirm the allegations, White told TMZ Sports on Friday: "I believe everything is possible. Who knows. He could drop in."

"When you think about fighter walkouts, I mean, the two biggest that actually shake the arena when a fighter walks out to the [octagon] are President Trump and Conor McGregor," he said. "If he arrives [Saturday] night, it will be a lot of fun."

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