U.S. President Donald Trump was greeted with thunderous applause and a standing ovation as he entered the sold-out Kaseya Center for UFC 314 in Miami on Saturday night. Trump made a high-profile entrance alongside UFC President Dana White, flanked by his granddaughter Kai Trump and prominent figures from his administration.
Among those seated with him cageside were podcast host Joe Rogan and billionaire tech mogul Elon Musk, who now heads the Department of Government Efficiency. The crowd erupted as Trump, dressed in a dark suit with a yellow tie, pumped his fist to the tune of “Taking Care of Business.”
Star-Studded Company and Loyal Supporters
Donald Trump was joined by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., FBI Director Kash Patel, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and White House communications officials Steven Cheung and Taylor Budowich. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Senator Ted Cruz also accompanied the president for the major MMA event.
Throughout the night, the UFC jumbotron frequently spotlighted Trump, drawing chants of “USA” and loud cheers from the audience. At one point, Trump stood and briefly danced to the Village People’s “YMCA,” adding to the electric atmosphere.
Donald Trump’s UFC Cameo: A Familiar Sporting Tradition
A longtime UFC supporter, Donald Trump has often used major sports events to connect with his base. Saturday’s appearance was his first UFC visit since assuming office in January. It came just weeks after he attended a Saudi-backed LIV Golf tournament at his Miami club.
Trump has previously attended the Super Bowl, Daytona 500, and multiple UFC matches, including a championship bout in New York last November shortly after winning the 2024 election.
Main Event and Political Undertones
UFC 314’s headline fight featured Australian Alexander Volkanovski taking on Brazilian Diego Lopes for the featherweight title. While the crowd was tuned in for the MMA action, Donald Trump’s appearance carried political significance. Miami-Dade County had supported Trump by over 11 percentage points in the recent election, and the current president’s connection to UFC remains a powerful symbol for many supporters.
“I think Dana White’s the real winner tonight,” Trump quipped to reporters aboard Air Force One later that evening.
Campaign Symbolism and Cultural Appeal
Trump’s appearance reflected his ongoing strategy of aligning with cultural and hypermasculine icons to resonate with younger male voters. His presence at UFC 314 showcased his connection to sports, patriotism, and a crowd that has largely embraced his public image.
While he mostly stayed seated, Trump occasionally shook hands with fans and exchanged words with Musk, who at one point held his young son on his shoulders. Fighters often approached the side of the cage to greet the president.
From Palm Beach golf courses to the roar of the UFC crowd, Trump’s weekend was a blend of political messaging and showmanship—exactly the formula that helped fuel his return to the White House in 2024.