Miami, Florida, April 13, 2025 – President Donald Trump made a high-profile appearance at UFC 314 last night at the Kaseya Center, joined by Elon Musk, Musk’s son X Æ A-12, and UFC CEO Dana White. The event, headlined by a featherweight title bout between Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes, became a spectacle of political and cultural influence, drawing both cheers and controversy.
Trump arrived on Air Force One, accompanied by cabinet members including FBI Director Kash Patel, Secretary of Health Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who celebrated her birthday at the event. His grandchildren—Kai, 17, Donald J. Trump III, 16, and Spencer, 12—were also present, alongside figures like Barstool Sports’ Dave Portnoy, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, and Texas Senator Ted Cruz. The MAGA-heavy crowd gave Trump a standing ovation as he entered, and he was seen hugging commentator Joe Rogan and greeting fighters like Michael Chandler, who fought Paddy Pimblett in the co-main event.
Musk, carrying his son Lil X on his shoulders, captured online attention, with X users praising the toddler’s enthusiasm, though some questioned why Musk’s other children weren’t present. The event highlighted Trump’s ongoing alliance with Musk, who co-leads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), and Dana White, a longtime Trump ally who has spoken at Republican National Conventions. Speculation persists about White taking a White House role, though he has dismissed the idea.
This marks Trump’s second UFC appearance since taking office, following UFC 309 in November 2024 at Madison Square Garden, where fighters celebrated him with the “Trump Dance.” His presence at UFC events underscores a strategy to align with hypermasculine culture, appealing to his base—a tactic evident throughout his campaign. However, the appearance wasn’t without criticism. Some MMA fans and X users called the event “propaganda,” frustrated by the politicization of UFC. Others criticized the use of taxpayer funds for Trump’s 70-mile Air Force One trip from Mar-a-Lago to Miami, a distance easily driven in an hour.
The night blended sports, politics, and celebrity, reflecting Trump’s knack for commanding attention. Yet, it also reignited debates over the intersection of governance and entertainment, with critics questioning the optics of such high-profile outings amid pressing national issues like immigration and trade tensions. For now, Trump’s UFC appearance solidifies his cultural influence, but it also highlights the polarizing nature of his presidency.
