President-elect Donald J. Trump attends UFC event at Madison Square Garden resembling campaign rally.
President-elect Donald J. Trump made a public appearance at Madison Square Garden, where he received a warm welcome from tens of thousands of people at an Ultimate Fighting Championship event. The event was reminiscent of his campaign rallies, with supporters chanting “U.S.A.! U.S.A.!” as he entered to the song “American Bad Ass” by Kid Rock. This marked a rare political moment in a major sporting event, as Mr. Trump was celebrated on the Jumbotrons with a video highlighting his election victory and key numbers associated with his presidency.
Accompanying Mr. Trump at the event were notable figures such as Elon Musk, Joe Rogan, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Tulsi Gabbard, and Vivek Ramaswamy, who are all set to take on high-ranking roles in the incoming administration. The group stood out in their formal attire amidst the casual crowd of U.F.C. fans. Dana White, the U.F.C. chief executive and a close friend of Mr. Trump, was also present, underscoring the strong ties between the president-elect and the U.F.C. organization.
Mr. Trump’s campaign actively targeted young male voters, a demographic that aligns with the U.F.C.’s audience, through various channels including podcasts. The league’s personalities and culture played a role in Mr. Trump’s campaign strategy, with key campaign staff members having previous ties to the U.F.C. This event showcased the intersection of politics and sports, highlighting the influence and reach of both realms in shaping public opinion and support.
In conclusion, President-elect Donald J. Trump’s appearance at the Ultimate Fighting Championship event at Madison Square Garden was a significant moment that underscored the connection between politics and sports. The event brought together key figures from both worlds, signaling a new era of collaboration and influence as the incoming administration prepares to take office.
Source: The NY Times
