Dana White giving 'side-eye' to Barack Obama at Donald Trump's inauguration sends Internet into frenzy

'Looks like Dana White would love to invite Barry Obama into the Octagon for a friendly cage match,' a netizen quipped
PUBLISHED JAN 21, 2025
Dana White appeared to give a side-eye to Barack Obama while attending Donald Trump's second inauguration on Monday, January 20 (@jedigoodman/X)
Dana White appeared to give a side-eye to Barack Obama while attending Donald Trump's second inauguration on Monday, January 20 (@jedigoodman/X)

WASHINGTON, DC: Dana White was one of the many celebrity guests who attended Donald Trump's inauguration on Monday, January 20, and ended up becoming part of a viral moment.

The UFC CEO was seated in the row behind former Presidents Barack Obama, George W Bush, and Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State and Trump's past political nemesis Hillary Clinton, and former First Lady Laura Bush during the indoor ceremony, according to Daily Mail.



 

Dana White gives 'side-eye' to Barack Obama at Donald Trump's inauguration

Barack Obama arrived at the ceremony without his wife, Michelle Obama, who decided to skip the inauguration. He entered the Capitol Rotunda and greeted the Bushes directly in front of Dana White. 

At this moment, White was seen giving the former president a "side-eyed" look, which has since become the talk of the town on social media. 

Former President Barack Obama, former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton attend the Inauguration of Donald J. Trump in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. Donald Trump takes office for his second term as the 47th president of the United States. (Photo by Julia Demaree Nikhinson - Pool/Getty Images)
Former President Barack Obama, former President Bill Clinton, and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton attend the Inauguration of Donald Trump in the US Capitol Rotunda on January 20, 2025, in Washington, DC (Julia Demaree Nikhinson - Pool/Getty Images)

White and Trump's fondness for each other is not hidden. The MAGA spearhead has tapped White to speak for him at the last three Republican National Conventions (RNC), which led many to wonder if he would serve a greater role in the White House at some point, per the outlet.

However, the MMA promoter has consistently played down the speculation of a further role within politics. 

Caption: WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: Former U.S. President Barack Obama attends the inauguration of Donald Trump in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. Donald Trump takes office for his second term as the 47th president of the United States. (Photo by Saul Loeb - Pool/Getty Images)
Former President Barack Obama attends the inauguration of Donald Trump in the US Capitol Rotunda on January 20, 2025, in Washington, DC (Saul Loeb - Pool/Getty Images)

He told Sports Business Journal through a spokesperson, "Donald Trump is one of my very good friends. He did a great job in his last term as president, and I know he will do an even better job the next four years. I have no personal political aspirations."

White as well as UFC color commentator Joe Rogan were honored guests at Trump's pre-inauguration festivities on Sunday.

Dana White's 'side-eye' look at Barack Obama has the Internet talking

Several internet users were quick to react as the clip of Dana White giving a "side eye" look to former President Barack Obama went viral across social media.

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: Former President Barack Obama speaks with the CEO of Ultimate Fighting Championship Dana White after the inauguration of President Donald Trump in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. Donald Trump takes office for his second term as the 47th President of the United States. (Photo by Shawn Thew-Pool/Getty Images)
Former President Barack Obama speaks with the CEO of Ultimate Fighting Championship Dana White after the inauguration of President Donald Trump in the US Capitol Rotunda on January 20, 2025, in Washington, DC (Shawn Thew-Pool/Getty Images)

One wrote, "Dana White giving President Obama some side eye," and another added, "It’s great watching Dana White give the stink eye to Clinton, Bush and Obama who are sitting right in front of him."

A person quipped, "Looks like UFC Dana White would love to invite Barry Obama into the Octagon for a friendly cage match," while someone else said, "Watching Dana White’s face and eyes as he stands behind Bush and Obama is priceless!!"

"Seeing Dana White's glare at Obama from right behind him is epic!" one more wrote, with another person saying, "Dana White is standing next to Obama, and he looks disgusted about it."



 



 



 



 



 



 

Barack Obama jokes George W Bush 'just barely' behaved at Donald Trump's inauguration

When asked by Washington Post reporter Emily Davies if George W Bush behaved at Donald Trump's inauguration, Barack Obama said, "Just barely," as seen in a video shared by Davies. 

The question was in reference to a video that Davies had shared earlier in the day. It showed Barack lining up for the inauguration behind George and his wife, Laura Bush, according to People

When the former president and the former first lady entered the event, a staffer asked George, "Are you going to behave?" and Barack replied on his behalf, "Nope." 



 

The former presidents seemed to enjoy each other’s company at the inauguration as seen in various clips shared on social media. 



 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

GET BREAKING U.S. NEWS & POLITICAL UPDATES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

President urged party unity ahead of midterm elections and warned that losing control of Congress could lead to renewed impeachment efforts
2 hours ago
Speaking at a House Republican retreat on the anniversary of the Capitol attack, the President repeated allegations of a broken electoral system and questioning the 2020 election results
3 hours ago
President Trump singled out the Kentucky Republican claiming ‘something is wrong’ with the congressman after he criticized the Venezuela raid
4 hours ago
In her first public remarks since formally leaving Congress, Greene used the Capitol riot anniversary to cast jailed defendants as victims of political persecution
6 hours ago
Court filings reveal the Justice Department has released only a fraction of the Jeffrey Epstein records, weeks after the mandated deadline passed
7 hours ago
The outspoken anti-Trump conservative enters the race in New York’s 12th District with a singular mission of opposing the President
9 hours ago
Donald Trump’s administration will freeze $10B+ in CCDF, TANF, and social services funds to Democrat-led states over alleged non-citizen fraud
18 hours ago
Senator Richard Blumenthal asks whether the Trump administration has any coherent strategy to manage Venezuela
18 hours ago
CDC cut the childhood vaccine list from 18 to 11, mirroring Denmark's model to simplify requirements and rebuild trust in public health
1 day ago
House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole and Democrat Rosa DeLauro endorsed the package, highlighting investments in safety, energy, and public services
1 day ago