Nate Bargatze insists he’s not political after White House UFC appearance sparks MAGA rumors

WASHINGTON, DC: Nate Bargatze's appearance at Donald Trump's White House UFC event has sparked online discussion, with some fans questioning whether the famously apolitical comedian was making a political statement by showing up.

The speculation grew after Bargatze was spotted at UFC Freedom 250 on Sunday, June 14, an event held on the South Lawn of the White House as part of Trump's birthday celebrations.

Source says Nate Bargatze attended Trump's UFC event as a fan

Bargatze was among a handful of recognizable entertainment figures who attended the White House fight card.

The Grammy-winning and Emmy-nominated comedian joined fellow comics Tony Hinchcliffe and Shane Gillis at the event, which featured several UFC bouts and attracted widespread attention.

According to a source who spoke to the Daily Beast, Bargatze's presence had nothing to do with politics.

The source claimed the comedian attended because UFC is his “favorite sport” and stressed that the decision was “not political.”

That explanation has attracted attention because Bargatze has spent years carefully avoiding public political fights despite becoming one of the most popular stand-up comedians in America.

Known for his clean and family-friendly comedy, Bargatze has built a massive audience that cuts across political lines.

The source said Bargatze understood that attending a Trump-hosted event could be interpreted as a political statement. Despite that concern, he still chose to attend.

Interestingly, Bargatze did not publicly post about the event on social media even though he has more than 3 million followers on Instagram.

Cheryl Hines photo puts Nate Bargatze in the spotlight

Although Bargatze was not featured heavily in footage from the event, a photo shared by actress Cheryl Hines brought renewed attention to his attendance.

Hines posted an image showing herself standing alongside her husband, Robert F Kennedy Jr, and Bargatze.

The picture quickly circulated online and fueled questions about whether the comedian's appearance reflected a political affiliation.

The source rejected that suggestion and argued that Bargatze frequently takes photos with people from different political backgrounds.

Supporters of that argument pointed out that the comedian has previously been photographed with former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy.

At the same time, he also counts broadcaster Don Lemon, a longtime Trump critic, among his prominent fans.

The source maintained that posing for photos should not be viewed as evidence of political support or endorsement.

Nate Bargatze repeatedly explained why he avoids political commentary

Bargatze has spoken openly in the past about his decision to keep politics separate from his comedy.

Following his second consecutive year hosting 'Saturday Night Live' in 2024, he explained that while he enjoys following politics, he does not believe audiences come to his shows to hear political opinions.

“I actually enjoy politics,” Bargatze said. “I don’t talk about them, but I enjoy them. I don’t think it’s what people are coming to me for.”

He expanded on that position during a 2025 interview with Esquire.

“If I want to give you my opinion on who I voted for, who’s that for?” he said.

“It’s for me, really, because I want you to know I’m smart. I don’t think it’s really helping an audience. You don’t think they know who to vote for? They’re living life.”

The comedian also suggested that there is already no shortage of celebrities sharing political opinions.

“Once you run out of celebrities’ opinions on politics, maybe I’ll jump back in, but right now I just want to do the opposite,” he added.